How to get rid of ants in your NYC house/apartment
How can I tell what kind of ants I have?
There are many ant species in the United States. And knowing what kind of ant you're dealing with can help you decide which method to use to get rid of them. Carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants are the most common ants that will enter your home, according to Nalyanya. You may also see big headed ants and crazy ants on the western side of the country.
You can begin by identifying the type of ant in your home so you can learn how to get rid of ants, their nesting habits, and where they're living (they may be nesting outdoors). Take a close-up photo of the ant and send it to your local university extension service (in any online search engine, enter your state's name and "university extension service"). The extension service will tell you what kind of ant you have and where it nests. They may give you fact sheets about the ant species and possibly even advice on how to get rid of that specific ant species.
Ants can also be confused by termites, Despite their appearance to the untrained eye, there is a significant difference between ants and termites — including how to treat them. Termites have a broad body and straight antennae, whereas the majority of ants have curved antennae and a pinched waist. If you suspect termites, contact a professional exterminator for an inspection and treatment. If you've noticed ants in your kitchen or pantry, it's time to do something about it. The methods listed below will either exterminate or lure the creepy crawlers
What attracts ants to your home?
1. Food in
the kitchen
Ants consume almost everything that humans consume. While they will eat any leftover food scraps or crumbs, they are particularly fond of sweets. Ants can get their nutrients from sticky jam residue left on the counter, a drop of honey, or a discarded lollypop. If just one ant discovers the source of this sweetness, they will leave a scent trail to attract the rest of the colony. In no time, there will be a massive ant infestation.
2.
Places that are moisture
Ants must survive on food and water. Ants, unlike most animals, do not drink on a "as needed" basis. They also return water to the colony to store it for future use.
They'll leave a scent trail to alert the rest of the colony when they find a good water source. As a result, broken pipes, potted plants, bathroom condensation, and pet water bowls can all attract ants.
3. A Shelter
Bait ants with peanut butter and honey
If you've eliminated all potential food sources and entry points around the house, you can always use a bait like peanut butter or honey to entice the remaining ants to leave. Make your own ant bait by combining 4 tablespoons peanut butter, 6 tablespoons honey, and 3/4 teaspoon boric acid. Place small amounts in areas frequented by ants but inaccessible to children. By putting bait in a 35 mm plastic container, you can create a small feeding station.
Are ants taking over your NYC area home? We’re here to help!
We understand how frustrating and upsetting an ant infestation can be. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with it alone! Jet Pest Control serves homeowners and businesses from NYC to New Jersey, and we specialize in dealing with complex pest infestations and assisting you in returning to normalcy. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you finally get rid of ants!
