I’m a pest control expert – little-known trick to keep your home ant free, and method that sends you back to square one
A PEST control expert has revealed how homes can be kept ant free this summer.
She warned that the pests shouldn’t be sprayed with chemicals if a bait trap is being used – no matter how much of a nuisance they become.
Sydney Crawley, a professor at North Carolina State University, has shared tips on how to stop a bug infestation.
She told the News & Observer: “The keys for getting rid of ants are: exclude, sanitize, and apply pesticides.”
Crawley recommended that homeowners should take time to seal any gaps that would prevent an ant invasion.
She also suggested that trimming back plants might also be handy.
Crawley explained: “There are many ant species that protect aphids that live in plants in exchange for honeydew.
“Branches serve as bridges that afford ants a convenient way right into your house.”
Homeowners may also resort to bait traps to control ant populations.
Worker ants are attracted to the bait – either a sugar or carbohydrate – and take the food to the queen.
It should eventually kill the queen ant and her colony.
But, Crawley warned that ants should not be sprayed with chemicals if a bait trap is being used.
She said: “This will contaminate the bait, repel ants from it, and you will be starting from square one.”
The expert also recommended that people may want to try a different bait if they do not see results within a week.
To combat potential ant infestations, homeowners should remove whatever is attracting the pests to their property.
Ants could be attracted by anything from a drop of honey on the kitchen counter to a dirty spoon left in the sink.
All food should be stored away, ideally in airtight containers in the cupboards and fridge.
Food should not be left out in the open air. It should be stored away if possible.
Any spillages or food spatters should be cleaned up straight away.
Pet bowls should be washed regularly, and garbage should be taken out often.
Meanwhile, a gardening wiz has offered tips on how grass can be kept green all year round.
A fellow pest control expert has revealed how watering plants at a specific time can stop slugs from causing havoc.