Does DIY Ant Control Work?
Ants become a nuisance not because they enjoy making a homeowner’s life miserable but because they search for the ant’s necessities for life - food, water, and shelter. This is why your kitchen and bathroom are prime targets for ants. When ants are determined to make your house their new home, ant colonies will spread rapidly, so getting rid of them as quickly as possible is important. Identifying the species of ants is important since some ants are harmless while others can be harmful to you and your home. As soon as you discover the signs of ants, it’s best to contact your Orkin Pro or begin DIY ant control.
What to Do If You Find Ants in Your Home
Check your houseplants for signs of ants, which might indicate nests underneath the soil. Discard any plants that appear to be infested.
Keep your yard clean of debris. Cut off any vines or vegetation that touches or leans onto the exterior walls of your house and windows that can make it easier for ants to enter your home.
Pet food can also attract ants. It’s best to store pet foods in an enclosed plastic bin. Remove pet bowls after your pet has finished eating and clean the bowls regularly to eliminate the scent of food.
Seal any cracks in the walls and holes near the floorboards. Also, check for rips in window screens that require mending.
Clean up your home every day using a broom or vacuum in places that may accumulate crumbs.
DIY Ant Control Methods
1. Vinegar for Ants
White vinegar is a popular natural remedy for ant control, as its strong scent disrupts the ants' pheromone trails, which they use to navigate and communicate. Spraying a solution of white vinegar and water along entry points, countertops, and other areas where ants are active can help deter them temporarily.
Vinegar DIY Ant Killer Considerations
However, while vinegar may repel ants and remove their trails, it doesn’t address the root of the infestation. Additionally, the lingering smell of vinegar can be unpleasant, and once it dissipates, the ants are likely to return, making this method more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution.
2. Diatomaceous Earth for Ants
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms like diatoms and crustaceans. It works as an effective ant control method by causing physical damage to the exoskeletons of ants, leading to dehydration and death. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth along ant trails, entry points, and other problem areas can help reduce ant populations. It’s essential to follow the product label and instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.
Diatomaceous Earth DIY Ant Repellent Considerations
While diatomaceous earth can be effective in certain situations, it only works on ants that come into direct contact with the powder. It doesn’t eliminate the entire colony, making it less effective for larger infestations.
3. DIY Ant Traps and Repellent
Understanding how ants are entering your home is crucial for both eliminating an existing infestation and preventing future ones. When using DIY ant control products, it's important to place them in strategic locations where ants are commonly seen entering and exiting the home, such as wall voids, cracks in walls or floors, and gaps around doors. Always ensure that any commercial products are stored safely and used strictly according to the product label.
DIY Ant Repellent Considerations
While DIY ant control methods can provide temporary relief, they often fall short of effectively managing an infestation. This is primarily because DIY solutions may not target the specific ant species invading your home.
Different ant species require different treatment strategies, and without proper identification, the control methods used may only address visible ants and not the root of the problem, such as the colony.
Moreover, DIY products may focus on areas of the home that are not the primary sources of infestation, leading to a recurrence of the issue. For long-term results, professional pest control services are often more effective, as they tailor treatments to the specific ant species and the unique conditions of your home.
Benefits Of Professional Ant Control
If ants are infesting your home and DIY methods have proven ineffective or are not your preferred choice, it's time to contact an Orkin Pro. Once ants invade, they can be difficult to eliminate, but your Orkin Pro will provide reliable and effective ant control for your home and family.
Ants can nest in various locations in and around your house, which is why Orkin Pros perform a thorough inspection to identify the source, species, and most effective control strategy.
Following the inspection, your Orkin Pro will design a customized ant control program to help eliminate ants inside your home or wherever they may be found. With expert knowledge and the right equipment, you can trust an Orkin Pro to effectively address ant infestations and other pest-related issues.
More Information On Ants
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