When summer rolls around in Northern Virginia it brings with it a number of new plants and creatures, some that are wanted and some that are not. Homeowners often find that the warm weather brings hordes of ants into the house looking for some food and a cool place to live. While one or two ants is no big deal, an infestation can cause all types of problems, which is why ant populations need to be controlled before they get out of hand. Here are five ways to avoid ant infestations in Northern Virginia.

Avoiding an Infestation

The best way to control an infestation is to acknowledge and take care of it before it gets too bad. Here are some tips for how to keep that ant population in check:

Inspect your home: If you suspect that you might have ants then you need to inspect suspect areas to make sure. Look around the places where ants and other critters are known to congregate. You should also try to identify the species of ant, as different ants are controlled in different ways. The first step to keeping ants controlled is to thoroughly inspect your home.
Keep moisture down: Ants and other insects are attracted to moisture. This is why it is important to remove standing water from around your house and to get rid of things like rotting logs where ants are known to gather. You should also try to seal any high moisture areas of the house to keep ants from getting in.
Use baits: There are a number of baits on the market, but you can also make you own natural version. If you choose to use a bait, just be sure to keep it away from children and pets.
Store food properly: Everyone knows that ants are attracted to food. In addition to keeping countertops clean and clear of food, you should also be sure to store your food properly. This means not leaving open bags of food lying around. Try to keep your food in sealable containers that will not attract ants.
Call a professional: If your infestation gets out of control you might have to call upon a professional exterminator. Be sure to get one that is fully licensed and qualified to work in your area.

Don’t Wait!

If you think you have a problem with ants then now is the time to act. If you wait too long you will quickly find your house infested with these unwanted pests. By taking a few simple steps you can stop the infestation before it even starts.