Ant Control in San Diego
Ants are social insects that live in communities inside structured nests. There are more than 10,000 known species of ants, and they can be found all over the world.
Different types of species build a variety of nests. Some ants live underground while others build mounds at ground level or find homes within wooden structures, plants, and trees. Ants often use soil and matter from plants to construct their nests.
Ants can be problematic for humans by damaging structures and spreading illness-causing pathogens.
It’s important to address an ant infestation as early as possible. At Joshua’s Pest Control, our field experts are trained to combat ants with a variety of effective techniques.
How to Prevent Ants in San Diego
Eliminate Water Sources
Ants need moisture to survive, so creating an inhospitable environment for them is a good first step.
- Fix any leaking pipes, puddles, or areas that retain moisture, especially under sinks. Check both inside and outside your home.
- Ensure that gutters and downspouts are draining water away from the house.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture inside your home.
Seal Entry Points
Even a tiny crack can serve as a wide doorway for an ant. Seal exterior cracks and gaps using caulk or insulation and make sure that your windows and doors have intact weather stripping in place.
Clean and Vacuum Regularly
Let’s face it, we’ve all dropped crumbs onto our floors at some point. Unfortunately, these crumbs can draw in uninvited pests like ants. Regularly cleaning floors and wiping counters after meals will prevent ants from finding unintentional food sources left in your kitchen. Be sure to also empty the trash regularly as well.
When ants discover a food source, they create an invisible chemical trail using pheromones to direct the other ants in their colony to the location. This is why a few ants can quickly turn into a line of ants when they discover food. If you discover ants doing this, first remove the food source and then wipe up the trail of ants using an ammonia-based cleanser to disrupt the pheromone trail. This will prevent the ants in the colony from returning. For heavy infestations, a professional pest control expert can assist with nest-disrupting solutions.
Store Food Properly
Ants are attracted to sugar, grease, and other foods in your home. To keep ants (and other pests) out, store food in airtight, sealed containers to avoid luring ants inside. And don’t forget about pet food—ants are just as happy to eat Fido’s food as any other food in your house. Store pet food properly and avoid leaving it out in your pet’s bowl all day. Remove uneaten food promptly after your pet finishes eating.
Cut Trees and Vegetation
Ants can use flowers, shrubs, and tree branches that touch your home’s exterior to gain easier access inside. When planning landscaping, keep plants at least 12-18 inches away from the sides of your house and regularly check your roof for overhanging tree limbs. Prune as needed and remove old landscaping materials to reduce potential nesting sites for ants.
Regular Inspections
One of the best ways to prevent an ant infestation is by getting help from a trained professional. They can identify potential ant harborage areas and make recommendations for your specific property. They can also apply preventative treatments to avoid ant infestations from the start. Contact Joshua’s Pest Control for pet- and family-friendly ant treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ants are a common pest all over the world. It can be difficult to get rid of ants because of their elaborate colonies. In many cases, if the queen ant in a colony isn’t eliminated, the colony will continue to survive and grow. The access to water, food, and harborage areas in San Diego make ants a persistent pest for many homes and businesses.
Ants are most active during the spring and summer months. During this time they may make their way indoors looking for food and water.
