A Guide To Effective Ant Control For Phoenix Properties

Are you dealing with an ant problem by yourself? If so, we'd be willing to bet that things aren't going anywhere near as planned. Ants have a way of leaving Phoenix property owners mystified. This is because there are many misconceptions about ant control. Do you know that some ants prefer sweet juices and other ants prefer protein sources? If you get a gel (sweet) bait for protein ants, they're likely to turn their noses up at your offering. If you sprinkle protein bait to get control of sugar ants, you're likely to find the bait untouched. If you spray ant mounds or treat floors and surfaces where you've found ants, don't be surprised when they start turning up in a nearby location in large numbers. Ants avoid treated areas. They don't just walk around on treated surfaces and let these products kill them. We could go on and on. There are a surprising variety of ways property owners in Phoenix try to stop ants. Some methods don't work at all. But, in most cases, the methods used (like applying bait) can work but fail to do so due to improper product selection and application. So, what can you do to get control of ants in Phoenix? Apart from taking a course in ant control at the University, here are a few ways Phoenix residents have success with getting control of ants.

Sanitation

Many ants are attracted to unsanitary conditions. When you clean, deep clean, and deodorize trash receptacles, it can have a big impact on ant activity. Ants can be drawn to your exterior by the scent of decaying organic matter in your exterior receptacles. This can lead them to create nests near your home. The closer a nest is to your home, the greater the chances that workers will find a way inside as they look for food and moisture sources. Once inside, ants can mobilize an army to feed on interior food sources. Keep things clean to keep ants away from your home and to deter them from entering your home in large numbers.

Food

There are many things that ants feed on. If you provide ants with a food source near your home, it is a recipe for trouble. Here are a few food sources to consider:

• Sugar ants love the sweet water in a hummingbird feeder. If you feed hummingbirds, you'll attract these ants. You can work to avoid this by selecting the right feeder, keeping the feeder cleaned, and keeping exterior surfaces clean.
• Sugar ants are drawn to a food source called honeydew. This is produced by aphids, white flies, and other plant-damaging insects. If your landscaping is targeted by aphids, ant problems are right around the corner.
• Ants that eat protein will find leaf litter, brush piles, woodpiles, stacked rocks, and other natural environments attractive. They feed on insects, both alive and dead. Yard maintenance is key to ant control. Remove organic debris and move this material away from your exterior. 

Gaps

We don't have to tell you that tiny gaps can allow ants access to your home, but what you might not know is that there are a few simple ways to seal gaps and deter ants. When mixed with sanitation and the removal of food sources, this can keep ants from getting into most homes.

• A caulking gun is a great tool for sealing tiny gaps around window and door frames, both outside and inside. You can also use this tool for sealing gaps around plumbing, wires, and other foundation penetrations.
• Replacing old or damaged weatherstripping, door sweeps, and screens can stop ants in their tracks.
• A foundation crack could allow ants into your home. Some cracks can easily be addressed with a foundation repair kit.

Moisture

Many ant species are drawn to damp habitats. One way the perimeter of your home can be moist enough for ants is when your gutter system isn't doing its job. Gutter clogs and damaged downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks can lead to ant issues.