5 Ways to Keep Ants Out Before Spring

1. Seal Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to prevent ants from invading your home is to identify and seal potential entry points. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and openings where utility lines enter.

Quick Fix: Use caulk to seal small cracks and weatherstripping for doors and windows.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Ants are primarily attracted to your home in search of food. Keeping your home clean, especially the kitchen, is crucial for ant prevention.

• Store food in airtight containers
• Clean spills immediately
• Take out the trash regularly
• Don't leave pet food out overnight

3. Create Natural Barriers

Several natural substances can deter ants without using harmful chemicals.

Pro Tip: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 cup water and spray along entry points. Essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, or lemon) also work well. Sprinkle cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or coffee grounds at entry points for extra protection.

4. Maintain Your Yard

Outdoor ant colonies can quickly become indoor problems. Keeping your yard well-maintained can help prevent ants from establishing colonies near your home.

• Trim vegetation away from your house
• Keep firewood stored away from the foundation
• Remove leaf litter and debris
• Fix leaky outdoor faucets

5. Try DIY Ant Baits

For existing ant problems, baits can be very effective. The worker ants take the bait back to the colony, eventually killing the queen and eliminating the entire colony.

Simple Homemade Bait Recipe: Mix equal parts borax and sugar with enough water to create a paste. Place small amounts on pieces of cardboard near ant trails, but out of reach of children and pets.

When to Call the Professionals

While these preventative measures can be effective for minor ant problems, large infestations may require professional intervention. If you're dealing with carpenter ants or persistent ant problems despite your best efforts, it's best to consult with a pest control professional.