It''s your party and you can cry if you want to - but don't let it be because ants are running wild across your food. The ants do not need to come marching one by one, nor do you need any ants in your pants - you just need some ant control.
Here's what you need to do to keep ants from crashing your party, in and out of your home:
Draw a circle of trust with chalk.
You can come and go from the chalk circle as you please, but you can trust that ants won't be coming in the chalk zone. Believe it or not, but Reader's Digest explained that the calcium carbonate that chalk is composed of acts as a natural repellent to ants. When you're sitting out on your patio, trace a chalk circle around wherever you don't want the ants to disturb you and you'll be in for a peaceful evening. You can do the same for other entry points around your home as well. The source noted that grinding up chalk to create a powder can be sprinkled around your garden or your perfect picnic spot to ward off the pests.
Intentionally spill flour in your pantry.
Oh no, did your bag of flour tip and make a mess? Good! Flour is another natural ant repellent. Use that baking ingredient to act as a barrier for some serious insect control, said RD. You can do the same thing you did with the chalk dust and sprinkle it in all your vulnerable places.
Frequently clean your home.
Of course, one fool-proof way is to ensure that there is no reason for ants to enter your home in the first place. Crumbs happen - but if you think you don't have to clean them up right away because they're not bothersome to you then think again. That small cookie particle might not be a big deal to you, but to an ant that is an absolute feast. Tree Hugger explained that even standing water or damp areas in your home from leaky plumbing or over-watered house plants might be attracting ants as well. After all, even ants need some water to quench their thirst after a big meal.
Invade their home first.
If you know where the ant hill is you might want to consider hitting home. RD explained that you can put an upside down flower pot over the hill and then pour boiling water through the hole at the bottom of the pot. This will flush out the ant's home and ban them from your property forcing them to move somewhere else.
A dash of sugar and spice.
And for the piece de resistance, Tree Hugger recommended giving popular ant hangout spots a dusting of cinnamon. You can do this with cinnamon essential oils so you can create a neat barrier without the mess around your house. Plus, it has a nice smell so it'll give your residence a welcoming scent when visitors stop by.
If your ant control is truly too much for you to handle then don't hesitate to give your local pest control management a call.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
