What is the most effective way tokill small antsin the house?
The main reason that ants enter homes is in search of food or water.
Thus, eliminating these sources of food or water is the first step in eliminating ants from your home.
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Clean spilled food and crumbs from floors, cupboards, and pantries, getting into corners and along baseboards.
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Sweep and mop floors regularly.
Do not leave pet foods out after the animals have finished eating.
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Empty trash and clean trash areas regularly to prevent buildup and odors.
If you recycle, always rinse items before storing and keep them in lidded, pest-resistant bins.
Whenever possible, store the containers outdoors, and away from the home.
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Keep grass mowed, and trees and shrubs trimmed so they do not touch the house.
Keep gutters, porches, and perimeters clean and clear of debris.
Check and seal gaps around electric wiring, cables, pipes, and other such potential entry points.
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Repair leaks inside and outside the home, and eliminate pooling water sources around the home’s exterior.
The primary exception is when the direct spraying of a nest is applicable, such as for fire ants.
Thus, it is recommended that baits be used.
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This is because most of the ants of the colony, including the queen, never leave the nest.
Warning
Always place bait stations where they are out of reach of children and pets.
Never place them next to stored food, including pet food.
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Read instructions for correct spacing and placement.
Common treatments include traps and insecticide sprays.
An exterminator will also source the location of the ants' colonies and treat their nest.
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Ants are attracted to areas of moisture as well as dead skin cells, hair, and even fragrances.
This is whybathrooms are often popular with ants.
They can eat their way through electrical wiring and insulation and chew at wooden finishes.
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They can also nest in electrical boxes, causing short circuits and potentially fire.
Ants - Insect ID.
Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin.
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Ants in the Home - 5.518.
Colorado State University Extension.
Safely Use Rodent Bait Products.
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United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Is Ant Bait Safe Around Children.
National Capital Poison Center.
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Ant Pests: Ants and Electrical Equipment.
United States Department of Agriculture.
University of Minnesota Extension.
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