Ants can be extremely annoying and harmful pests when an infestation gets out of control. Some are aggressive, while others are just irritating. Regardless, they all want the same things: trash cans, spilled food, and standing water, to name a few.

If you have ants in your McKinney home, we have some solutions for you. Read on for our top 10 tips to keep ants out of your McKinney, TX home. 

What Attracts Ants?

For the most part, ants enter your home for three key reasons: food, water, and shelter.

Food

Ants are always on the lookout for food. These insects are scavengers; they’ll pick up any food source and carry it home to feed their colony. 

Ants leave pheromone trails to and from food sources so that the rest of the workers can find their way there. Because of these trails, a single ant can turn into an infestation in no time.

Water 

Ants are attracted to water as well as food. Ants will certainly enter your home in search of water, especially in hot climates.

Standing water is especially appealing to ants. Consider water sources such as dog bowls, puddles, leaks, and cups. Any of these things left alone for too long can attract an ant colony. 

Shelter

Rain threatens to flood the underground colonies that ants live in and puts them at risk of drowning.

During the rainy season, it’s not uncommon for ants to look for shelter elsewhere when their nests are in danger.

10 Tips to Keep Ants Out

Ants can get into your home through the tiniest cracks, so following these methods can help you keep them out. 

Cleanliness is Key

Ants feeding on crumbs on the floor.

Maintain a regular cleaning schedule that consists of sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. 

Additionally, be sure to clean up spills, crumbs, dirty dishes, countertops, and sinks. 

Get Rid of Excess Moisture 

Ants thrive in humid environments, so consider using a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture in your home. It also helps if your house is well-ventilated. 

Manage Your Garbage 

Leftover garbage is a treasure trove for ants. Avoid ants by emptying your indoor trash daily. Use outdoor bins that have tight-fitting, secure lids. 

Seal Up Cracks & Gaps

Black ants crawling out of a crack in cement.

Because ants are so tiny, they can easily fit into the smallest of crevices. Seal up cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation using caulk, prioritizing areas where you’ve seen ant activity. 

Eliminate Standing Water Sources 

As we mentioned above, ants use standing water sources as an easy way to hydrate their colony. It’s critical to fix leaky pipes and faucets and to monitor your gutters and pipes. 

Monitor Your Pet’s Food & Water 

If you have pets, try to avoid leaving uneaten food out, as ants will eat this as well. Keep a close eye on their water bowls, too. 

Use Natural Ant Deterrents 

Top-down view of coffee grounds in a glass jar.

Some common substances in your home make natural, safe ant deterrents. Some are chalk, oranges, peppermint, cinnamon, coffee grounds, cayenne pepper, and vinegar. Spread these near doors and windows to keep ants out. 

Create Ant Baits 

There are tons of commercial ant baits on the market today that you can place around your house to trap ants.

You can also make your own baits by using a combination of Borax and sugar or Borax and peanut butter. Mix dish soap, oil, and water for a simpler DIY bait. 

Consider Landscape Buffers 

You can create a landscape buffer around your home by keeping vegetation at least three feet away on all sides. Be sure to trim your plants regularly, too. 

Call Professionals

If you’re not up to the task yourself, you can always contact a professional pest control team for help. This is typically the fastest, most effective way to get rid of ants. 

Dependable Ant Control: McKinney, TX

Close-up of a line of ants on pavement.

You might do everything right but still keep finding ants in your home. In this case, it’s probably time to contact the professionals. 

Contact Stampede Pest Control for guaranteed solutions for ant infestations in your McKinney, TX home. We offer dependable pest control services that save you valuable time, money, and effort. Reach out to the experts at Stampede Pest Control today to get started.