Reduce the Risk of Ants With These Simple Tips

By Hope Bowman, Technical Specialist, Western Pest Services

Ants are one of the most persistent pests encountered in and around residential housing during summer. These tiny intruders find their way inside as they forage for food and shelter. They enter through small cracks and crevices and once inside are able to leave a trail of pheromones that attract more ants. Managing ant infestations can be difficult because of their resilience and versatility; sometimes it can take weeks to fully treat and clear an area once a colony is discovered.

Ants may be small, but they can be a major nuisance for residents and, depending on the species, can be a health threat or even a detriment to building structures. The best way to reduce the likelihood of an infestation is with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which eliminates the root causes of pest problems. Below are a few IPM tips to help prevent ant infestations:

Landscaping

• Choose non-insect-friendly plants when landscaping.
• Keep vegetation trimmed back from buildings by at least two-feet. Trees and bushes that touch building exteriors can be used by ants as a bridge to your building.

Building Maintenance

• Use weather-resistant sealant to close cracks and crevices ants may use as entry points.
• Install door sweeps and weather stripping on doors and windows.

Sanitation

• Make sure common areas are cleaned regularly.
• Empty trash and recycling bins often and don’t let spilled food and drinks build up inside.
• Inspect your grounds and parking lots regularly to make sure they are free from trash that can attract ants.
• Remind tenants that sanitation within their own units also plays a big role. Consider including sanitation tips in community newsletters.

Work with a pest management professional to help eliminate ant attractors on your property this summer and lessen the chance of an ant infestation. A professional can determine the best solutions to fit your property and your residents’ needs.

Hope Bowman is a Technical Specialist and Board Certified entomologist with Western Pest Services, a New-Jersey based pest management company serving businesses and homeowners in major Northeastern markets.