Even as ants appear to be harmless and insignificant creatures, an infestation can be a troublesome situation to deal with. Unfortunately, ant infestations are more common than you imagine. Even worse, it is hard to avoid them because these tiny insects are smart enough to find their way in, even if you seal off your living space well enough. The best way to curb the risk of ant infestations is to understand why they come back time and again. Let us explain the most common one. 

Easy access to food

Ants thrive on the food, so they are most likely to invade your home if you give them easy access to food. They come looking for food sources, and these are easily available in kitchens and dining areas in most homes. Not clearing leftovers, leaving kitchen spills overnight, and not storing food items in airtight containers elevate the risk manifold. If you are careful about these things, you can eliminate these intruders forever.

Greasy surfaces

Besides food crumbs, residues are also an invitation to ants. You may not even realize that food residues and grease you leave on the stovetop or the storage containers may attract them. Similarly, residues left on the dining table or coffee table in the living room can get ants swarming in. Be regular with cleaning, and you will surely see them less often in your house. 

Improper garbage disposal 

Another reason why you may get these pesky pests coming back time and again is an improper garbage disposal. Leftovers, canned food jars, and even soda bottles are food sources they love, so you can expect them to attack them when they find easy access. Professional ant pest control experts recommend that you must invest in covered garbage bins. Cleaning and rinsing them regularly is equally crucial if you want to minimize the risk of infestation in your living space. 

Leaking pipes and faucets

Besides food, most ant species also look for places where they can find a consistent supply of water. If there are leaking pipes and faucets in your house, these creatures will breed here and find their way even after you get rid of them. Kitchens and bathrooms are high-risk areas, so keep a close watch and address leakage issues at the earliest. Ensure that windows are sealed, and there aren’t any cracks and crevasses susceptible to moisture during wet weather.

Decaying wood in and around the house

Besides food and water, ants look for shelter, and they will easily settle in a home where it is available. If there is decaying or rotting wood in and around your house, expect them to thrive. Moist or decaying wood makes a perfect home for carpenter ants that often build nests in such spaces. Consider frequent inspections of the home’s structure and furniture to find vulnerabilities and address them. Clearing out tree stumps from your yard will also help because they make the favorite nesting grounds for ants. 

Getting rid of ants is easy if you collaborate with experienced pest control professionals, but the real challenge is to stop them from returning. Follow these tips and seek advice from extermination specialists to stay a step ahead of these pesky pests.