With spring well underway, the warm weather has officially settled in. And though we may be spending more time outside, common pests like ants are finding their way inside. While not particularly dangerous, these tiny invaders can quickly become a major nuisance – making their way into kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces. 

But fear not! The experts at Smash Pest are here to help you keep your White House home ant-free with effective and practical solutions. Read on to learn some tips that you can try yourself to keep these little laborers at bay. 

Want them gone now? Give Smash Pest a call at 615-551-4029 or reach out online. We’re here to smash all your pest problems for good.

What Are the Quickest Ways to Get Rid of Ants?

Not only are ants small, they’re also sneaky. The first time you notice signs of a colony crawling around your home, it’s crucial to act fast. The quicker you take action, the easier it is to prevent a full-blown infestation. Here are some of the fastest ways to get rid of ants:

  • Find how/where they’re coming in and seal it. If the ants have no entry point to any part of your home, you no longer have to worry about more coming in and making a problem worse. Ants travel in colonies, so try to find where the majority seem to be coming from and close it off.
  • Keep your space as clean (and dry) as possible. Like all living things, ants are attracted to food and water. Clean up spills immediately, store food in airtight containers, and attend to any leaking pipes. 
  • Use ant baits. By placing ant-specific baits in the areas you see the most concentrated amount, the insects will carry the poison back to their colony, which will effectively eliminate the entire group.
  • Spray insecticides. For immediate relief, use ant spray in particularly problematic areas. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe use.
original infographic on top 5 tips for keeping ants away

Do Natural Ant Repellents Actually Work?

Many homeowners prefer to take a more natural approach when tackling pest prevention and control. And while chemical-based pesticides usually work the best, there are some ant repellants derived from naturally-sourced ingredients that can be decently effective:

  • Spray a mixture of vinegar and water near all entry points. Commonly found in a variety of natural, home cleaning remedies, vinegar can also be used to mask the scent trail that ant colonies follow. By diluting vinegar with water and spraying the solution in the areas you’ve seen the most ants, the rest of the colony outside will have a hard time locating the trail that leads inside.
  • Try lemon juice. For a more palatable odor – with equally effective results – rub some lemon juice in places like window sills, doorways, and baseboards. Similar to vinegar, the overwhelming scent of pure citrus disrupts the pheromone trails the rest of the colony follows.
  • Experiment with different essential oils. Strongly-scented essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are known to repel ants. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your home; pay particular attention to the areas ants are entering from.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon near entry points. Similar to essential oils, cinnamon has a distinctly strong odor that ants don’t like. Sprinkle the spice in areas like doorways, windows, and any other places where you see them.

How Can I Keep Ants Out Permanently?

The truth is, the only way to keep ants (and other pests) out of your home permanently is to work with a professional pest control company like Smash Pest. However, there are also some preventative measures that will discourage ants from hanging around:

  • Maintain Cleanliness. Regularly clean your home, focusing on the kitchen and dining areas. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and don’t leave dirty dishes out.
  • Seal Entry Points. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home and seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
  • Remove Outdoor Attractions. Ants can be drawn to the outside of your home by things like standing water, pet food, and debris. Keep your yard tidy and free of ant-friendly environments.
  • Regular Pest Control Treatments. Schedule regular pest control treatments with a professional service like Smash Pest to create a barrier around your home.

Call Smash Pest Control & Annihilate Ants For Good

If you’re tired of battling ants on your own, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Smash Pest, we offer comprehensive pest control services designed to keep your home ant-free year-round – for good. Our experienced technicians use the latest techniques and products to ensure effective and lasting results.

Don’t let ants ruin your peace of mind. Contact Smash Pest today by scheduling online or calling us at 615-551-4029. With our help, you can enjoy a pest-free home and get back to the things that matter most.