Do you find small ants patrolling on your kitchen counter just as you’re about to grab snack? And despite your numerous efforts to eradicate them, they don’t seem to budge? Here are some useful tips from us at BION Environmental, to help keep your home ants free!
The common species of ants found in Singapore include carpenter ants, ghost ants and fire ants. Carpenter ants and fire ants, like termites, are destructive. They can chew through soft or damp wood, damaging wooden furniture and carpentry works.
The sight of these uninvited guests scurrying in your home is not only unsightly, but they often carry and spread bacteria that pose health issues. All ants can bite, and some, like the fire ant, may sting when provoked! A fire ant’s sting is not only very painful, the venom injected can lead to health complications. Swelling, redness and itchiness are commonly experienced and those with more serious reaction to the venom may experience nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, dizziness, chest pain, or even difficulty in breathing.
Where do ants usually hide? You can find them in the cracks and crevices in doorframes, corner of walls, around the stove and sink, and in or around planter boxes and flower pots. They are highly attracted to sweet foods, dead insects, animal protein and fats.
Ants are highly resilient and smart, so the next time you see an army of ants in your kitchen, instead of reaching for the insecticide or sweeping them away, take a few minutes to observe their trail! Look out for what’s attracting them and remove the source and observe where they are headed with their loots. Observing them could potentially lead you to their nest and targeting that proves to be effective.
Easy home solutions & tips
- Mix one part water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray this homemade solution onto ant trails to derail them or around food preparation areas to minimise ants. They hate strong scents so this will help deter them.
- Similar to vinegar, the strong citrus scent from lemons can also help prevent them from entering your homes. Place lemon skins at entryways or in sinks to minimise ants.
- Seal up all cracks and crevices in walls or kitchen cabinets with caulk or joint compound – this tip prevents common pests like cockroaches and lizards from having access into your homes too!
- Always store food in airtight containers or in the fridge. Do not leave them exposed overnight.
- Throw out the trash every night, especially food wastes.
- If you own a pet, remove leftover petfood and clean feeding areas daily. Store leftover petfood in a sealed contained.
If you’ve tried the above DIY solutions but are still experiencing ant issues, quickly reach out to a pest control professional for help! Don’t delay treatment as breeding can cause serious implications! Give us a call at +65 8787 1338 or email us at admin@bion.com.sg now, for professional pest control help!
BION Environmental 