Do you see ants running out of the kitchen cabinets to your horror? Don’t panic, we’ll tell you what to do about ants in your home to combat an ant infestation. These insects live in colonies and have different tasks within their community. Although they are interesting from a biological point of view, ants in the home are obviously not useful. Fortunately, there are natural remedies against ants such as mint that can scare away ants. Read more about the insects and what to do about ants here.
How long do ants live?
To do this, it is important to know how an ant colony works. An ant colony is an organized society in which thousands of individuals work together.
- Workers, who make up the bulk of the colony, usually have a lifespan of a few weeks to a few months.
- Queens, on the other hand, can live for years, with some types of queens even reaching several decades of age.
- Male ants, also called drones, generally have shorter lives, often dying shortly after completing their reproductive task.
What are flying ants?
A phenomenon that often occurs in summer is the appearance of flying ants. Ants with wings fly out to mate and establish new colonies. This phenomenon is also called “nuptial flight.”
When flying ants appear can vary depending on the ant species and weather conditions. In general, flying ants are most common during warm and humid summer nights.
Although they can cause a temporary nuisance, they usually disappear on their own. However, if flying ants are a persistent problem, they can be controlled with fly swatters or insect sprays.
How do you prevent ants?
Ants can invade our homes in search of food and suitable habitat. It is important to take measures to prevent ant nuisance.
- Keep your home clean and tidy:
- Seal food in airtight containers
- Seal garbage cans tightly to keep ants away from food sources
- Sealing openings and cracks:
- Inspect and seal openings and cracks through which ants can crawl, such as near doors, windows, and along baseboards.
- Use sealant or filler to seal small cracks.
- Install door brushes or draft strips to prevent ants from entering.
- Avoid attractive environments for ants:
- Keep outdoor areas around the house clean and tidy.
- Remove trash, fallen fruit and other possible food sources.
- Prune plants and shrubs so that they do not make direct contact with the exterior walls of the house.
- Stay alert:
- Regularly monitor for possible ant activity in and around the house and take immediate action if you see ants before the problem worsens.
Are ants dangerous?
Although ants are generally not directly dangerous to humans, they can cause damage. Some ant species, such as wood ants, can damage wood structures. Other species, such as road ants, can damage electrical wiring. It is important to address ant problems early and recognize an ant nest to prevent further damage.
How can you control ant eggs?
Controlling ant eggs is an important aspect of dealing with an ant infestation. Although ant eggs are often harder to detect than adult ants, it is essential to control them to effectively reduce the population. Here are some tips to combat ant eggs once you have found the potential breeding sites:
- Use hot water. Pouring hot water on the hatching sites can be effective. The hot water can destroy the eggs and prevent them from hatching.
- Use natural diatomaceous earth: this earth is a natural powder composed of microscopic fossils of algae. It can be used to control ant eggs. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on potential nesting sites and around ant routes. The powder damages the protective layer of the eggs, causing them to dry out and die.
- Control the ant nest: Effective ant nest control is essential to eliminate ant eggs. Using ant bait or gels can help. The workers will carry the poison into the nest, which will also affect the eggs.
- Repeat the treatment if necessary: Ant eggs can have different stages and not all eggs will hatch at the same time. It is important to repeat treatment as needed to control new eggs and control the population.
How do you get rid of ants?
Fighting an ant nest can be tricky because of their large numbers and their ability to quickly build new nests. Hiring a professional pest control company, is often the most effective solution. They can employ various methods, such as using baits or applying specific chemicals, to effectively control ants.
How can you control ants outdoors?
Besides fighting ants in the house, you may also have an ant infestation in the garden. Especially “how to control ants under tiles” is a common question we get. This is because the insects can nest under tiles and cause damage to paving. Some tips for fighting an ant nest in the garden:
- Clean up food sources, such as fallen fruit or sugar scraps.
- Use natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cinnamon powder.
Using an aggressive anticide is not recommended, as it can also damage the rest of the flora and fauna in the garden.
How can you control ants animal-friendly?
For those who prefer environmentally friendly methods, there are alternatives available to control ants.
- Use fragrant herbs such as mint, lavender or cloves as natural repellents. Place these around entrances and openings where ants can enter.
- Place barriers on ant routes. Where ants regularly walk, you can place barriers such as cloves, powdered cinnamon, pepper, or essential oils such as peppermint oil or lemon oil. Ants dislike these odors and will be discouraged from moving on.
- Clean the routes: Thoroughly clean ant routes regularly with a mixture of water and vinegar or a mild detergent. This removes odor trails that ants use to find their way around, causing them to become disoriented.
However, it is important to note that these approaches may not be as quick or thorough as professional control methods. Ants are very resilient and can find new routes. A combination of preventive measures, effective control techniques and professional help may be needed to fully control ant infestations.
When serious ant problems arise, it is wise to call in the professional pest control professionals at OFS Services. We have the knowledge, experience and proper resources about exterminating ants and doing so effectively. We can assess the extent of the problem, apply the right control methods and advise on preventative measures to avoid future ant infestations.
