Ants are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Like many other insects that tunnel through soil, they can help with plant growth, decomposition, and more. They are predators that control pest populations and are prey for spiders and other species.
However, ants are also ubiquitous household invaders in the area. The Jensen's Guaranteed Pest Control team will explore the facts about these tiny intruders in this blog on ant control in Salt Lake City. Read on to learn to identify them and what attracts them. We will also share five essential prevention tips and long-term control strategies.
How To Identify Common Ants In Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is home to many types of ants. Still, you will likely encounter one of the most common species.
Odorous house ants prefer to be indoors. They are notorious for emitting a rotten coconut odor when you crush them. Pavement ants are dark with parallel grooves on the head, while fire ants are red. This invasive species can inflict painful stings.
Finally, Argentine and carpenter ants are species that build extensive colonies. Carpenter ants are especially problematic as they excavate wood like termites to build nests and galleries.
Jensen's Guaranteed Pest Control can help you identify the ant species in your home and show you what attracts them.
What May Be Attracting Ants To Your House
Many factors can attract ants to your house. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Food residue: Forget to put away leftovers or clean up spills in the evening, and you might wake up to ant trails. Try to clean up as you go and store attractants like sweets and treats in airtight containers.
- Sweet substances: Ants love sugar. Keep everything from honey and syrup containers to other sugary products wiped clean and sealed when not in use.
- Moisture: Ants need water to survive and can get enough from small leaks or wet skinks. Eliminate damp areas to discourage infestations.
- Outdoor vegetation: Ants are skilled at invading homes. They only need an overhanging branch or plant touching the house to get in. Trim them to prevent easy access for ants.
We recommend eliminating these factors to help make your home less appealing to ants. Additionally, try the following strategies to get rid of ants in the early stages of an intrusion.
Five Ant Prevention Tips
While ants are tiny and resourceful, you can still keep them out of your home with these ant prevention tips:
- Seal entry points: Pay attention to your entryways and walls. If you find vulnerabilities like tiny cracks, seal them to close them off.
- Clean regularly: Regularly clean your kitchen and other high-traffic areas. Wiping down counters after cooking, sweeping the floors, and storing food out of their reach to eliminate odors is essential.
- Use tightly closed garbage bins: Please use secure outdoor trash containers that are not easily accessible for ants. Rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
- Trim vegetation: Keep plants away from your home or trim them if they get too close, as ants can use them to get inside.
- Minimize moisture: Excessive humidity from leaks, clogged gutters, etc., can attract ants quickly. Keep your home dry to make it less appealing to scavengers.
While making your home less conducive to infestations is essential, you might need professional strategies for total ant control.
Total Ant Control For Salt Lake City Residents
The Jensen's Guaranteed Pest Control experts are here to help with all your ant control needs. Our treatments are safe and effective at eliminating entire colonies, no matter how extensive.
We will help you seal entry points and eliminate attractive factors, while our year-round home pest control programs will keep your home safe throughout the seasons. Our guaranteed services mean that you can enjoy an ant-free home without delay. Let's get started.
Jensen's Guaranteed Pest Control offers guaranteed and thorough ant pest control services. Call us today to set up an inspection.