How To Get Rid Of Ants Permanently

Ants are a common pest problem in the UK, but it can be surprisingly difficult to get rid of them. While you can kill ants easily by stamping on them, you’ll quickly find more ants take their place.

That’s because ants use pheromone trails to help other ants to find food sources, so more ants will quickly arrive even after you’ve killed some.

At Mission Pest Control, we have extensive experience providing ant control services across Swindon and the surrounding area, which is why we’ve put together this guide to how to get rid of ants permanently.

What Attracts Ants?

Like many pests, ants are attracted to a reliable food source. Ants tend to nest outside, but they will go inside looking for food.

Sugary substances are most likely to attract ants, but ants eat almost anything, so any uncovered pet food bowls and unsecured dried foods will also lead to an ant problem.

Being incredibly small, ants can even pick up tiny crumbs, so even a small amount of debris could be a food source for them.

Signs Of An Ant Infestation

While visible ants tend to be a clear indicator of an ant problem, many species are incredibly small. Spotting tiny ants can be difficult, so here are some other indicators that you have an ant infestation:

Ant Nests: Look for piles of dirt with tiny holes in the top, which could be ant nests. Ant nests are usually found in gardens near infested properties. Watch for trails of ants leaving or entering the hole, which shows that it is a nest.
Piles Of Wood Shavings: Small piles of wood, known as frass, could be a sign of carpenter ants.
Dead Ants: Dead ants are often easier to see than live ants, and ants usually die near their nests, so if you find a lot of dead ants it could be a clear sign of an ant problem.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants

The most effective way to get rid of ants permanently is to work with professional exterminators like the team at Mission Pest Control.

Putting down DIY ant powders can be dangerous for pets or kids, but is often ineffective against ants. Also, ant powders require regular application and strategic positioning to ensure effectiveness, which can be difficult if you’ve not got the expertise and understanding of ant behaviour.

Thankfully, Mission Pest Control has the skills needed to effectively and safely remove ants. Our team have access to a range of professional-grade insecticide solutions that can get rid of ants effectively.

We can get rid of any ant species, and also provide ant proofing, including sealing gaps in your property’s facade.

How To Prevent Future Ant Infestations

While it’s impossible to fully prevent ants, there are some simple techniques you can use to reduce your chances of an ant infestation:

Store Food Correctly: Make sure that food is stored in sealed containers that ants can’t access.
Clean Surfaces: Regularly wipe surfaces to get rid of crumbs and spillages that could attract ants.
Seal Potential Entry Points: Make sure you seal holes in your home’s exterior to make it harder for ants to gain access to your space.
Be Vigilant: While it isn’t a tactic to deter ants, being vigilant and calling in a professional pest control provider as soon as you notice any signs of ants will make the difference between a serious ant infestation and a minor issue.