Ask our expert and founder, Rick Clough, questions about lawn and pest control:
Today’s Question: “Can ants carry diseases into my home? They are everywhere and I am wondering if they could bring anything harmful into my house?”
Rick Says:
“Yes! It is possible for ants to carry disease. Ants crawl through their own waste and come in contact with other waste such as rodent and dog feces around your yard. When they enter your home, they often come in contact with bathroom waste and garbage. During their journey into your kitchen or dining rooms, their body hairs are picking up and depositing bacteria throughout your home. If you have an ant concern, talk to your exterminator or pest control professional. It is always better to be safe than sorry.”
Ways to Protect Yourself Against Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests in and around homes. On Earth, it is said that ants outnumber humans 140,000:1. However, that doesn’t mean they need to move in with you. Regardless health concerns, no one wants ants invading their homes. In addition to a regular pest control program, you can follow these tips to minimize ants in your home:
- Sweep the floor after every meal.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Do not leave out any soiled dishes.
- Immediately clean up any food crumbs.
- Remove sources of moisture and dampness when possible.
- Locate the ant’s entry points to your home and seal any cracks and crevices.
- Wipe up invading ants with soapy water to erase their odor trails.
Knowing what species of ant is present is the best way to determine their nesting habits, food preferences and best methods of management. But even with taking every precaution and staying on top of your maintenance, sometimes ants are just downright relentless. The professionals at Green Earth Pest Control have the training and experience to deal with household ant problems. Call us for a free consultation to discuss how we can help rid your house of ants.