Pest control is all about getting (and keeping) pests out! In our many years of experience protecting Long Island homeowners from common household pests like ants, we have found that prevention is always the easiest way to maintain a pest-free* home. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to avoid an ant infestation from occurring in the first place.
Ant Prevention Tips
Follow these tips to prevent ants in your home:
Eliminate Sources of Moisture 
Ants need water to survive and thrive, which is why they’re attracted to your home. They can live in tiny amounts of water, making them unwelcome pests in even the driest environments. To keep ants from entering or colonizing your house, eliminate sources of moisture by repairing leaks and keeping condensation out of your home.
Trim Tree Branches Back from Your House
If you have trees near your home and have noticed that some of their branches touch your siding, trim them back so they don’t make contact with the side of the building. This will help keep ants out of your house by blocking off entry points or preventing them from moving along those paths into it.
Seal Any Cracks in Your Home’s Exterior
If there are any cracks, gaps, or holes in your home’s exterior (even if they’re tiny!), they can serve as convenient entry points for ants and other common household pests.
- Caulk all cracks in your home’s exterior.
- Plug holes with steel wool or silicone caulk, depending on the size of the hole.
- Keep your home’s exterior free of debris, such as leaves and grass clippings.
- Make sure you have a good foundation, and that it is level so that you don’t have any cracks where pests can enter.
Store Food in Sealed Containers
One of the best ways to prevent ants is to make sure they don’t have access to food. Store all of your dry goods in sealed containers. This includes pasta, rice and cereal as well as flour and sugar. Keep these in airtight containers so that if there is any moisture present from humidity or rain outside, it won’t get into your supply.
Clean Up Spills When They Occur
One of the most effective ways to prevent an ant infestation is to clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Sticky, sweet surfaces and crumbs left behind are major attractors for ants, who can sniff them out and will tell all of their friends!
Keep Pet Food and Water Dishes Clean
If you have pets with food and water bowls out on the floor, keep in mind that these could be attracting ants! It’s always a good idea to wash and put your pets’ food and water bowls away when they’re not in use, especially overnight, to prevent a variety of pests including not only ants, but cockroaches, mice, and more.
Call in the Ant Control Experts—Suburban Exterminating
If you suspect an ant infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment. To best eliminate and prevent ants in your home, Contact Suburban Exterminating at (516) 864-6900 or (631) 864-6900.
