Seven Quick & Effective Ant-Prevention Tips For Bradenton Property Owners

Ants are some of the most frustrating pests to deal with in Bradenton. What makes them so frustrating? If you've ever dealt with an ant problem, or you're dealing with one right now, it is likely that you've found out that you can't just sprinkle and spray and be done with ants. Controlling ants and keeping them out of your home or business is a process. Today, we're going to give you seven quick and effective ant-prevention ideas and explain why they work to manage ant pressures.

If you have moist conditions around your Bradenton property, you're going to have more trouble with ants and bugs. Moisture provides humidity for bugs that die in dry conditions. It gives bugs a drink of water. It promotes plant disease and wood rot. It coats bugs like sweat and allows them to cool down. These are just some of the many ways moisture provides the perfect environment for pests. And it is important to understand what pest activity does to ant populations. Many ants eat bugs or feed on a sweet honeydew produced by insects on your plants.

You can reduce moisture by doing the following:

• Clean your gutters and repair any breaks in gutters, splash blocks, and downspouts.
• Trim bushes and shrubs to allow better airflow.
• Keep your grass and landscaping trimmed to prevent the capture of moisture.
• Repair any plumbing leaks.
• Trim tree canopy in areas that have dense shade.

2. Organic Debris

You've probably noticed that ants crawl around on palm fords, leaves, grass clippings, sticks, and other organic debris. This is because they're looking for food. It may also be due to the fact that there is a moist environment underneath organic debris, and some ants need to stay cool.

• Reduce organic debris by doing the following:
• Rake up fronds and leaves.
• Pick up sticks.
• Move stacked wood or construction materials away from your exterior.
• Remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping.

3. Decaying Organic Matter

Many ants are attracted by the scent of decaying food matter, which can be quite potent. If you don't want ants near your property, it is important to consider trash management. Your trash provides sweets and meats for ants to feed on.

• Reduce trash as an attractant by doing the following:
• Keep trash bagged.
• Store trash in a covered container.
• Refrain from leaving bagged trash on a floor or on the ground.
• Routinely clean trash receptacles.

4. Address Cracks

If you have openings in your exterior, ants will take advantage of them. You can resist ants by sealing potential entry points around your property. Look closely because it doesn't take much of a crack, gap, or hole to let ants enter.

• Remove entry points by doing the following:
• Replace or install door sweeps.
• Replace or install weatherstripping.
• Fill in holes created by wood-destroying pests.
• Seal gaps around the outside of door and window frames.
• Repair damaged screens and glass panes.
• Seal cracks in foundation walls.

5. Interior Ant Prevention

When ants get in, they can go right back out. This can happen many times a month. But when one little scout ant finds food or ideal habitation within your home, it can alert the colony. This can lead to an interior infestation.

• Reduce interior attractants by doing the following:
• Keep your kitchen areas clean.
• Clean floors and vacuum rugs.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Remove your interior trash at least once a week.
• Clean your trash receptacles.
• Address any moisture problems, such as leaking faucets or pipes.
• Install dehumidifiers in areas that are high in humidity.

6. Ant Identification

It is important to know what ant species you're dealing with. All ants are not created equal. If you have a carpenter ant infestation, those ants can damage your property. If you have a pharaoh ant infestation, those ants can make you sick. If you're unable to determine which ants you're having trouble with, remember that the licensed pest professionals at Keller's Pest Control are always available to assist you with identification and control.

7. Ant-Control Products

When it comes to reducing ant populations, eliminating colonies, and getting the best protection for your property, ant control products are the best solution. These should be selected and administered by a professional to achieve the results you're looking for. If you own a property in Bradenton, reach out to Keller's Pest Control for immediate assistance. We're here to help you with all your pest control needs.