You can help prevent ants from invading your home with these ant prevention tips. Ants can be so persistent that despite efforts towards ant prevention you may need to consult with a pest management professional about the most practical way to regain control.  Often times the ants you can see are only a tiny fraction of the entire population of ants working towards a common goal.

• Ants are attracted to many food sources. It is important to keep the area clean of spills or food debris.

• Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. In just a few hours ants can locate this as a food source.

• Ensure that trash bin is clean both inside and out. Use a durable trash can liner and remove trash regularly.

• Keep the countertop, table and floor surfaces dry. Avoid leaving water in the sink and periodically check for leaks.

• Sweep and mop regularly. The smallest crumbs can be a food source to entertain large numbers of ants.

• Whenever possible, keep potential food sources inside a tightly sealed container or in the refrigerator.

• If you have pets, consider the pet’s food & water bowls & food storage methods of equal importance.

• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the foundation.

• Maintain gutters and storm drains to ensure they remain free of debris.

• Watch for new ant mounds around the structure.

• Keep trash containers sealed and away from the structure.

• Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation, as well as the doors and windows around the structure.