Whether you’re outside enjoying the summertime, or relaxing at home, an infestation of ants can be a serious nuisance. There’s nothing worse than coming home and finding a huge swarm of ants gathered behind an appliance, or on a morsel of food that you missed when you wiped down the counter.

If you have an ant infestation, you know that you can always call our team of pest control experts at The Bug Man, and we’ll be there right away. But when it comes to ants, being proactive can make a huge difference. Here are a few tips to help keep the ants away:

Keep your home clean, particularly the kitchen – Ants enjoy sweets the most, but they’re definitely not very picky. Don’t leave food out on the counter, unless it’s stored in an airtight container. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and wash your dishes after every meal. And if you snack in front of the TV or anywhere else in the house, make sure that you also clean those areas frequently.

Eliminate outdoor food and water sources – Take the trash out every day, and store your bins as far away from your home as you can. Make sure to empty pet food dishes and kiddie pools when not in use, and eliminate standing water near the home.

Repellents and poisons – Many inexpensive chemical products are available, which are generally safe for household use if used according to the directions. But there are also several natural repellents that use common household products. Cayenne pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice are effective deterrents, and can be diluted in a spray bottle with water. You can also sprinkle salt or instant grits in the affected areas, which will kill ants by dehydration. And if you want to wipe out the colony and the queen, a mix of borax powder and honey (hidden from the reach of pets and children) is a time-tested poison that the ants will take home and spread around.

Ant infestations are generally preventable by keeping your kitchen clean, and storing food properly, but if you continue to encounter problems, give us a call at (501) 663-9464, and we’ll be there in a flash. At The Bug Man, we love our customers as much as we hate bugs, and we’re ready to help you keep your home free from pests this summer!