Ant visits are not uncommon in the greater Brisbane region households. When these tiny insects take shelter in your property, they become frustrating and removing them can be a headache. Ant invasion is a result of their food search which led them to your house. Ants are known for creating large colonies where they carry the food stolen from your house. It isn’t much that they steal, the problem arises when they are all over your place and become a threat. In this blog, we will explore effective methods to get rid of ants and prevent future infestations, focusing on Pest Control in Ipswich and the importance of termite treatment, including termite control treatment.
Understanding Ant Behaviour
Before we get into the details of ant preventive measures, we will try to understand their behaviour and why ants chose to invade homes. They are very social in nature and prefer to build and live in colonies of thousands of individuals together. Ants are attracted to sugary foods as well as greasy substances. They enter properties through tiny cracks, once they find a food source, they leave a pheromone trail that other colony ants can follow.
Identifying Common Ant Species
Different ant species require different treatment methods. Some of the most common ant species found in Ipswich:
- Argentine Ants
- Black House Ants
- Coastal Brown Ants
- Green Tree Ants
The Argentine ants are known for forming large colonies and being highly invasive. The black house ants, as the name suggests, are common indoor pests that are attracted to sweet foods. Typically found near coastal areas, coastal brown ants tend to become aggressive. Then there are green tree ants who are often found on trees and in gardens but don’t be relieved as they can enter homes searching for food. Identifying the species of ants infesting your home can help tailor your pest control approach.
Natural Remedies for Ant Control
Homeowners can try eco-friendly solutions to deter ants from entering their homes. Some remedies are:
- Vinegar Solution: A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar can be sprayed along ant paths and entry points. Strong odour of the vinegar solutions will disrupt the pheromone pathways produced by ants.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice can also interfere with ant trails. Spray it around windows, doors, and other entry points.
- Cinnamon and Clove: These spices have a strong smell that ants do not like. Sprinkle them near entry points or create a barrier around your home.
While natural remedies can be effective for minor infestations, more severe cases may not be treatable by such remedies.
Professional Pest Control Ipswich
Home- remedies can be helpful to some extent, but if your ant problem stays persistent then it is a sign to seek professional help for Pest Control in Ipswich. Bob Gunn’s experts have the knowledge, experience, and techniques which help them in effectively eliminating small to large ant colonies. They first identify the types of ant infestation on your property and then treat them accordingly so that future invasions are deemed impossible.
Professional pest control services typically involve:
- Inspection: A thorough inspection of your property to identify pests present and their species, entry points in the property, and possible nesting areas.
- Treatment: Application of targeted treatments, such as baits, sprays, and dusts, to eliminate ants and their colonies.
- Prevention: Sealing off entry points, cracks and gaps around gateways, recommendations for preventive measures to keep ants from returning, such as removing food sources, and ensuring clean surfaces.
To keep your home pest-free, you have to practise prevention. Inspect your property for cracks and gaps, around doors and windows, then seal those entry points to keep insects from entering. Ants are attracted towards food that you drop, they feed on even the smallest of crumbs left behind, so you should maintain cleanliness in the house, clean kitchen areas, wiping any spills or scraps of edible items. Store your food in airtight containers and regularly empty your garbage. Ants sometimes find a way into your home by climbing walls that nearby trees or branches are touching. Clear out any branches or bushes that are in contact with your house.