Having a huge trail of ants appear in the house out of nowhere seems like a universal experience. Little black ants appear to move by the hundreds, and more often than not, it can be difficult to discern where they are coming from. So, how do little black ants get in, and what can we do to stop them? Read on for Russell’s Pest Control’s expert advice on ant prevention and control in Knoxville TN.
Why Are There Little Black Ants in My House?
Any ant colony produces worker ants that are constantly on the lookout for accessible food sources to nourish their colony with. When they stumble upon one, they will emit pheromones that signal to other worker ants that there is food nearby. Little black ants aren’t very picky eaters, but they do know what they like. They are often found around these foods:
- Meats
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Sweet foods containing simple sugars
With that said, little black ants will eat just about anything that is left out for easy access.
How To Control Ants On Your Own
It can be a nightmare to try to get rid of ants once they’ve established themselves inside your home. This means that the most effective method of ant control is properly preventing them in the first place. You can follow these steps to decrease your chances of ant issues:
- After eating, seal and store your food and wash your dishes right away.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen.
- Inspect your house for cracks in the walls or gaps by windows and doors.
- Spray diluted essential oils in places that might attract ants (lemon juice and peppermint oil both prevent ants).
Preventing Little Black Ants in Knoxville TN
If your house is currently being overtaken by little black ants, using an EPA-approved ant control spray could work as a temporary solution to your problem. However, long-term ant control requires routine attention and consistent habits. For reliable ant control that can tackle even the largest infestations in Knoxville TN, you should reach out to your local pest control company. The ant extermination experts at Russell’s Pest Control can use sprays, traps, baits, and other exclusion efforts to locate the source of your infestation and put it to a stop. Contact us today for a free quote!