What to Do When Ants Come Marching Into Your El Paso Home
It's never a good thing when the ants come marching in, and then especially when they don't leave. Here in Texas, we are pretty spoiled when it comes to the weather and deadly animal encounters. Meaning... we don't have the worst of it. But there sure are a lot of ants.
They also tend to bite?
To get rid of ants in your home, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the Ant - Different ant species can require different treatment methods. Knowing the type of ants you're dealing with can help you determine the most effective approach. Common ant species in El Paso include Argentine ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants. Field ants are also common in the El Paso and Anthony, NM areas and get their name for their preference of nesting out in the open.
Step 2: Set Ant Traps - If I'm going to be completely honest... at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what type of ant is in my home. If it's in my house, it's gotta go. Start with step 2 if you must. Ant baits are an effective way to eliminate ant colonies. Place ant bait traps near ant trails or areas where ants are frequently seen.
Step 3: Get Rid of Ants on Contact - Kill those ants and kill them now. Professional products like RAID® work well, or using a natural solution of vinegar and water can also do the trick.
Step 4: Seal Entry Points - Ants can enter your home through small cracks and gaps. Inspect your house for possible entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. Seal these openings using caulk or weatherstripping to prevent ants from entering.
Step 5: Remove Food & Water Sources - Ants are attracted to food and water. Eliminate their access to these resources by fixing leaky pipes, drying out wet areas, and properly storing pet food. Also, make sure to clean up any standing water, both indoors and outdoors.
Step 6: Deep Clean - Cleanliness is crucial in ant control. Keep your house and kitchen clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping up crumbs, and promptly cleaning up spills. Make sure to store food in airtight containers to deny ants easy access to their food sources.
Step 7: Add Some Natural Repellents - Some natural substances can repel ants. Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or even coffee grounds near entry points where you find ants in your home. These substances can keep ants from crossing those barriers.
Step 8: Consult a Professional - If worst comes to worst... get a professional to deal with it. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle challenging infestations and can provide targeted treatments.