Catherine Schaeffer
Hello, SunBird homeowners! The sweltering summer sun not only brings the opportunity to cool off in the pool and barbecues with friends but also heralds the arrival of our uninvited guests, the pesky ant. While they might be small, their sheer numbers and relentless pursuit for food can turn into a considerable problem.
But worry not. There are some steps you can and should take to keep ants away.
Who has come to visit? Knowing your ants …
In SunBird we primarily deal with:
• Carpenter Ants: They are fond of damp areas and can cause structural damage to your home.
• Pavement Ants: Recognizable by the mounds they build in cracks on the pavement.
• Odorous House Ants: They emit a foul smell when crushed.
Once you’ve identified the invaders, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get to work!
Unbeatable Defense: Tips to Keep Ants Away
Deploy these tried and tested strategies to keep ants at bay:
• Seal the Entry Points: Ensure that all the potential entry points like cracks, gaps, and holes are sealed promptly.
• Store Food Properly: Always store food in airtight containers, and don’t leave crumbs or spills to attract the ants.
• Regular Trash Disposal: Ensure that your garbage bags and bins are tightly sealed and that you dispose of the waste regularly.
• Yard Maintenance: Keeping the yard clean and free from debris can prevent ants from building their habitats near your home. Downed palm fronds, rotting citrus, and general yard debris all attract ants.
Your Personal Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine,” and the same applies when you’re facing an ant invasion. Here’s your personal action plan to stop the menace:
• Step 1: Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection to locate their trails and entry points.
• Step 2: Clean-Up: Clean the infested areas thoroughly, removing any ant trails.
• Step 3: Baiting: Set up ant baits in strategic locations to target the colony.
• Step 4: Regular Monitoring: Keep a close watch on the baits and replace them as necessary.
• Step 5: Professional Intervention: If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call your preferred vendor to treat professionally.
Summer is the time to bake in the sun, oops, I mean bask, enjoy a dip in the pool, and have fun-filled evenings at the clubhouse. Don’t let the pesky ants ruin your summer fun.
And remember, it is always best to act fast before a small problem turns into a major infestation. If you need resources, do not hesitate to ask.
Catherine Schaeffer, DanSco Realty Group, [email protected], 480-650-3444