If you have come across a colony of ants in your home, there is no need to panic. With the help of pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, you can get rid of them. It is essential to remember that, like any other pests, ants enter your home in search of three fundamental needs: food, water, and shelter. Eliminating these resources can go a long way to protecting your home. Still, in severe infestations, ants may get inside your walls, and that's where pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, are invaluable.
Once you have eradicated your ant infestation, it is natural to want to prevent a future ant problem. That means you need to know what you might be doing that attracts ants into your home. Check out these pointers from pest control companies in Knoxville, TN.
Food Sources
The number one thing that is going to make your home attractive to ants is a consistent food source. We are all guilty of leaving dirty dishes in the sink or not wiping up the crumbs from the counter when making a sandwich. However, these are the habits that are going to make your home very attractive to ants and other pests. Ants have an incredible sense of smell, which they use to track down food. They eat a variety of foods but show a preference for sugar, carbs, grease, salt, and protein. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, recommend that homeowners looking to prevent an ant infestation establish good habits when it comes to storing food in sealed containers, cleaning up spills or crumbs immediately, and washing dirty dishes after each meal. This will help to eliminate food sources that ants will find attractive.
Fun Fact! Ants are particularly attracted to sweet scents and can be attracted by candles, perfume, and laundry detergents! While they cannot eat these, once they are in your home, they will seek out other food sources!
Water Sources
After food, the following resource that ants need is a water source. This is why most ant infestations occur in bathrooms and kitchens. If you have a leaking pipe or a dripping faucet, it is important to take care of it as soon as possible. It is also important to keep an eye on other water sources, such as pets' drinking bowls and dehumidifiers.
Shelter
Ants are drawn to warm, dark spaces where they can build their colonies. Depending on the species, they might create nests inside your home, beneath the foundation, or just outside for easy access to food and water. Identifying the specific type of ant is important because it can reveal where they are most likely to be nesting.
When an ant discovers food, it releases a pheromone trail that guides the rest of the colony directly to the source. This is why you often notice ants marching in a perfectly straight line. Following that trail can sometimes lead you to the entry point they're using, giving you the chance to seal it off. For lasting solutions, many homeowners turn to trusted pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, to eliminate ants and prevent future infestations.
Seal Up Entry Points
Ants often find their way indoors through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and walls. They can even sneak in through the basement if there are openings in the foundation. The good news is that with the right preventive steps, you can reduce the risk of ants gaining access to your home.
Start by sealing cracks and crevices that could serve as entry points for pests. Not only does this help keep pests out, but it can also make your home more energy-efficient by preventing your heating and cooling from escaping.
Take time to inspect windows, doors, and other exterior openings carefully. It's equally important to check the foundation and outer walls for signs of cracks or damage. Even the smallest gap can be enough for ants to get inside. Addressing these vulnerabilities promptly is one of the best defenses against infestations. For homeowners who want added peace of mind, professional help from pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, can ensure both effective prevention and long-term protection from ants.
Ant infestations can be frustrating, but they don't have to take over your home. By removing food and water sources, sealing up entry points, and maintaining a clean environment, you can drastically reduce the chances of ants making themselves comfortable in your space. However, if ants have already established colonies or are finding ways into hidden areas of your home, professional help is often the best solution. Trusted pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have the knowledge, tools, and experience to not only eliminate current infestations but also prevent them from returning. With the right prevention habits and expert support, you can enjoy a pest-free home year-round.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
