Good Lifestyle

Nothing is worse than going to take food in your closet or your pantry and see ants crawl everywhere. These tiny critters are constantly looking for their next meal and your house can have exactly what they are looking for, especially in summer. "A few reasons why they will move inside are a change in time and the exhaustion of food sources outside," said David Price ACE, director of technical services and certified entomologist associated with Joe mosquito . We all know that ants are attracted to sugary spills and crumbs, but what else brings these unwanted pests around? Continue to read to hear experts on surprising things that attract ants at home.

Read this then: 8 signs of a bug infestation that you should never ignore, say the exterminators .

You may have heard of the use of essential oils to repel ants. And it is true, scents such as lemongrass, peppermint, clove and cedar can keep the ants remotely. "These mixtures disrupt the pheromone trails they use for navigation, communication and food search," explains Price.

But a setback, some essential oils can bring more ants to your way. Like food or drinks with a lot of sugar, "an essential oil combined with sugar or perfume could cause attraction," explains Price. He suggests escaping from everything that has sugary fruity or floral scents if you try to avoid an infestation of ants. And if you just can't resist a soft mixture, make sure you are properly sealed.

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Ants are always looking for food and they don't care if this food belongs to you or your pets. "Cats, dogs and other pets can also inadvertently invite ants in your home," said Jim Fredericks , Chief entomologist and vice-president of public affairs at National association for pest management .

Bols of food and water can attract ants so that it is important to keep them clean. Ryan Farley , the CEO of Lawn mower , note that ants are attracted by proteins, fats and sugars found in pet food. If one of your pet's food is left out for long periods, it can easily attract ants.

"To avoid this, try to feed your pet at specific times rather than leaving food all day and keeping food in well sealed containers," said Farley. Also clean all water damage because ants are also attracted to water sources. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

It is quite common for ants to settle in your kitchen - it's hot food after all. But they may be looking for a snack in dark places.

"Be looking for places where pieces of food can be hidden, crumbs left inside the toaster or food residues in the dishwasher are attractive for ants," explains Fredericks.

It doesn't matter whether these devices are closed or not used, ants will always be able to find a means. It is important to keep all clean and eliminate everything that can be considered a source of food or water.

Any landscaping around the bases of the house can actually bring ants, depending on the greenery or the flowers you have planted with it. Matt Freeman , branch director and antiparasitic control expert The fight against termites and pests of Clark , explains that roses, guards and crêpe myrtles are hosts of many types of aphids (small insects that aspire the nutrients of the plants). If your shrubs have a population of aphids, it is likely that ants will also be there.

"These parasites secrete a suggested substance known as" honeydew "that ants like to eat," explains Freeman.

A way to prevent this is to keep your Neat and cut plants And don't give them too much water. "The edaling too close to the foundation will create a draw, because the aphids provide a food source, and once the ants of ants will become greater than the food source, they will move inside," explains Price .

Ants need water, so it may not be a surprise to see that water leaks could give them an invitation without rent. "Reducing humidity and standing water around your home can greatly help prevent ants," explains Fredericks.

You shouldn't wait to repair the fleeing pipes. Be on the lookout constantly for new humidity areas, so ants are less likely to enter. Freeman says.

"Remember to use a dehumidifier in wet basements, sanitary voids or attics," explains Fredericks. "Outside, make sure that the descent descents and the gutters work properly so that the water moves away from the foundations of the house."