So, you’ve got a trail of ants making their way to your home? Or heck! Do you know you have an ant infestation?
When ants invade a home, they can do a lot of damage to the structural wood supporting a house. Not to mention, they’re incredibly gross.
Ant infestations are common in Portland, Oregon. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons families talk to us about eco friendly pest control.
So, how do you get rid of an ant infestation? Do you need a Portland ant exterminator, or can you DIY the problem?
What are Ant Trails, and Why Does it Matter?
When ants find a food source, they leave behind pheromones signaling other ants. This little tactic is what we refer to as an ant pheromone trail.
So why do ant pheromone trails matter?
Well, if you simply sweep up or vacuum an active trail of ants, it will not do you any good because its ‘pheromones’ will still be active. So, this pheromone will continue to signal other worker ants within the colony.
So, what do you? Well, you erase the pheromone trail. And here’s how to do it.
- Option 1 – Ammonia-based cleaners – skip the bleach; instead, opt for ammonia based cleaners.
- Option 2 – Want to go more eco? Make a water and vinegar spray (see below).
Learn about natural ant control services in Portland, OR
Got a Trail of Ants Making their Way to your Home?
Ant infestations are a common pest problem! These little bugs are notorious for their ability to cause deep infestations destroying the integrity of a home.
Did you know 3 things that attract ants to a home? Get rid of these 3 things, and you’ll not have to worry about an ant infestation occurring.
- Heat and electricity – Electrical items emit heat signatures that create a microclimate for warmth – perfect for a colony of ants. Ok, so you can’t get rid of heat and electricity. But, you can try to eliminate entry points to a potential heat source.
- Food source – ants, love sugar! And it doesn’t just have to be some soda you split over! Crumbs, pet food, and even decaying fruit are all food sources for ants to feast on.
- Moisture – Moisture aka, a water source, is essential for an ant colony. Some sources of moisture may include a leaky roof, leaky pipe, or even decaying wood.
3 Steps| How to Stop Ant Trails
- Eliminate food sources – Did you know ants are attracted to a sweet and reliable food source? This is why it’s important to ensure any food scraps are disposed of appropriately.
- Seal entry points – Finding a potential entry point for an ant trail is crucial to resolving the issue. Some common entry points include rotting wood, i.e., wooden door frames, cracks within your foundation, and cracks through windows.
- Eliminate the ant’s nest – The trick to getting rid of an ant’s nest is to use a combination of ant bait, eco-friendly ant sprays that kill the ant, and of course, eliminating/removing the actual ant’s nest.
Now getting rid of an ants nest is no easy task! It requires careful planning and care. So talk to your local ant exterminator in Portland, Oregon, to learn more about ant nest removal.
How to Get Rid of Ant Trails the Eco Way!
What if we told you that you don’t need insecticides to get rid of ant trails? Here are some simple eco-friendly solutions for getting rid of ant pheromone trails.
- Water & Vinegar – Once you sweep up the ants on the trail, simply mix one part water with one part white vinegar and mix thoroughly before spraying the trail.
- Peppermint, vinegar, and water – Peppermint is a natural, eco-friendly ant deterrent. To make this eco friendly ant spray simply mix one part water with one part vinegar. Then add 5 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil to the mixture and spray.
Eco Friendly Ant Killers…
Another common options homeowners use to kill ants is borax. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral originating from Kashmir and Tibet.
How does it work? When consumed, Borax acts to disrupt the digestive tract, slowly killing the ants. But, in order to work, you must first bait the ant by mixing borax with a sugary solution.
Does Borax Ant Killer Work?
Yes and no! You need to mix the borax with the sugar solution appropriately for it to work.
If you’ve got an ant infestation in Portland, OR, it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional eco-friendly ant exterminator. Only a professional ant exterminator will know how to eliminate an ant infestation permanently.
Is Borax Bad for the Environment?
Although it is an organic mineral, the EPA considers borax a non-eco-friendly chemical. But, if you’re interested in learning more about eco-friendly ant killers, then talk to the team and Campbell Natural Pest Control.
How to stop an Ant Infestation from Getting Worse!
Getting rid of an ant trail, let alone an ant infestation, is certainly no easy task! So leave the hard work to the professionals! Talk to the team at Campbell Natural Pest Control to learn more about eco friendly ant exterminators in Portland, OR.