How to Get Rid of Ant Pheromones
While ants don’t create love potions or eat a bunch of garlic in order to emit pheromones, they definitely send those signals out to one another. In fact, ant pheromones are nature’s way of keeping ants organized and on the right track to a healthy and communicative colony. Pheromones are chemical signals that direct ants to the proper place or response, whether they are sensing food, a trail back to their nest, or outside danger. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are wondering how much of a role they actually play, and the best ways to get rid of ant pheromones, stick around while we dive in a little deeper to find out.
Ant Pheromones and Food
We already know that ants are fascinating creatures based on their individual strength and collective cooperation they have as a colony. When ants leave the nest in search of food, they deposit a trail of pheromones from the food source that leads back to the nest. This way, the other ants in the colony can also find the source of the food. The more ants that travel the pathway, the stronger the pheromones, creating a superhighway of cooperation.
Communicating Through Pheromones
It’s not just about food, though. Ants warn their colony of predators and other problems through pheromones. Ants are greatly attuned to these signals and can understand the messages loud and clear. This is a big reason why learning how to get rid of ant pheromones is so important, especially if you are concerned about an infestation. If you can cut off their communication channel, you will disrupt the flow of ants coming into your home, aka the ants’ own private food pantry.
There are some simple measures you can take to break up their carefully laid path and take back your home from these mighty little beasts.
Ways to Get Rid of Ant Pheromones
Identify the Problem Areas
The most common places ants target are entry points into your home, but they almost always inevitably end up in your kitchen. Ants love to eat our food (Who doesn’t? Treats are delicious!) so the first place to look is always where the most food can be found. The second-best place is in Teenage Tommy’s bedroom, but that’s another whole discussion.
Ants are sneaky little suckers, and because they are so small, they can find their way in through the tiniest cracks and crevices.
Clean to Break the Trail
The easiest and quickest way to break up the trail so that you can get rid of ant pheromones is to use soap and water or a vinegar solution. So when you see that trail of ants, don’t just get rid of the ants. GET RID OF THE TRAIL. Wipe down any surface where you have seen these little industrial titans, including countertops, walls, floors, windowsills, and more. While we are big fans of reusable cloths for the environment, it’s best to use disposable paper towels (eco-friendly of course!) to avoid spreading the trail to other areas of your home.
Natural Deterrents
There are some natural deterrents you can use to help mask the trail while you work to get rid of ant pheromones. Essential oils such as peppermint oil, lemon, and tea tree are solid choices. Just remember: these scents can all be a bit overpowering to some people with allergies. If you
Prevent Re-entry
Check your house for cracks, gaps, and holes near windows and doorways as well as your home’s foundation. Using caulk and weatherstripping can go a long way to help get rid of ant pheromones because they break up the trail as well as the access to inside your home. Other areas to check are pipes and even electrical outlets, which can provide often-forgotten, tiny entry points.
Proper Food Storage
Keeping food stored securely in airtight containers will go a long way in helping to get rid of ant pheromones. If the ants can’t sense the food, they will find a more appealing dinner buffet. It’s also really important to keep your home clean, and exposed trash should be regularly taken out to trash bins.
Living the Ant Pheromone-Free Life
Stopping ants from getting inside your home is all about consistency. Creating daily habits, including a regular cleaning schedule is a great start. Keep your eyes open and stay aware of your environment by doing regular inspections and maintenance on your property. While this might feel like a pain, it will make your life much easier in the long run.
If you’ve found tricks that work, don’t keep them to yourself. Be a good neighbor and share your secrets so that your friends can get rid of ant pheromones, too! Not to mention…this will disrupt even more the threat of ants creeping back into your home.
Ant maintenance is not glamorous, but it is satisfying to know you’ve taken back control of your space. With a little effort and some persistence, you can stop the invasion and keep your home ant-free for good.
Need Help from the Professionals?
That’s okay! We all need a little help from time to time. Besides, not all situations are alike, and some have moved beyond the “DIY Stage” in life. Whether you simply do not have time to do extensive maintenance and inspections, or your ant problem has become more of an ant catastrophe, our team of Kapture experts is here to handle the dirty work. We know how to get rid of ant pheromones and their hosts quickly and effectively. Our maintenance plans are easy and pain-free, giving you time to do the things you want to do! Reach out today for a free quote and let us handle the rest.
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