Ant infestations are one of the most frustrating problems for homeowners in South Carolina. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, carpenter ants, or odorous house ants, knowing how to properly identify and eliminate them is key to keeping your home pest-free.
In this guide, we’ll break down five essential steps to help you get rid of ants in your home and prevent future infestations.
1. Start with a Thorough Inspection
Before attempting to get rid of ants, it’s critical to identify the type of ant you’re dealing with. Different species require different treatment methods.
- Fire Ants – These aggressive ants create mounds in your yard and deliver painful stings.
- Carpenter Ants – They tunnel through wood, causing structural damage over time.
- Odorous House Ants – Often found in kitchens, they emit a rotten smell when crushed.
🔍 How to Inspect for Ants:
- Check common entry points (windows, doors, cracks in walls).
- Look for ant trails leading to food sources.
- Examine areas with moisture, such as under sinks and near leaks.
Once you’ve identified the species, you can choose the best extermination method.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Ants invade homes searching for food. If they find easy access to crumbs or spills, they will keep coming back.
✅ Steps to Remove Food Sources:
- Store all food in sealed, airtight containers.
- Wipe down countertops and sweep floors daily.
- Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed.
- Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
By cutting off their food supply, you make your home less attractive to ants.
3. Seal Entry Points
Even the tiniest crack can become an ant highway into your home. Blocking their entry is key to preventing future infestations.
🔧 How to Seal Your Home Against Ants:
- Use silicone caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Install weather stripping to block door drafts.
- Repair any cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior walls.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home.
Sealing entry points forces ants to find a different food source—away from your house.
4. Use Natural and Store-Bought Treatments
There are several methods to eliminate ants, including home remedies and commercial products.
Eco-Friendly Ant Control
🌿 Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts vinegar and water to erase ant trails.
🌿 Diatomaceous Earth – A natural powder that dehydrates and kills ants.
🌿 Borax Bait – Mix borax with sugar to attract and poison worker ants.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
🛑 Ant Baits – Slow-acting poison that ants carry back to the colony.
🛑 Ant Sprays – Instant kill, but won’t eliminate the colony.
🛑 Granules & Dusts – Best for treating outdoor anthills.
If you don’t see results within a few days, it may be time to call a professional exterminator.
5. Treat Your Yard to Prevent Future Infestations
Even if you eliminate ants inside, your yard could still be the problem. Fire ants and carpenter ants often build nests outdoors and re-enter your home later.
🌾 How to Prevent Ants in Your Yard:
- Remove rotting wood and tree stumps (carpenter ants love them).
- Spread ant granules around the foundation of your home.
- Keep your lawn trimmed and your gutters clean.
- Pour boiling water into visible ant mounds.
A well-maintained yard is your first line of defense against ant infestations.
Still Need Help? Call Pestora Pest Control!
If you’re dealing with a persistent ant problem, home remedies and store-bought solutions may not be enough. For expert ant pest control in Blythewood, SC, contact Pestora Pest Control at (803) 567-5900 or email us at help@pestora.com. Our team will assess the problem and provide the best extermination solutions to keep your home ant-free.
