As we joyfully welcome warmer weather, it's important to acknowledge the return of a common invader, ants. Unwated pests in your home are as troublesome as they are annoying. As summer approaches, bugs return in search of food. Here are a few pest control methods you can use to protect your home this summer. 

What Are Some Tips for Preventing Ants?

1. Keep Surfaces Clean 

A surefire way to lure ants into your home is to leave food out. After a meal, dirty dishes in the sink and spills on the counter can serve as an invitation to unwanted pests. After every meal, make sure the dishes are cleaned and cleared, that surfaces are wiped down and that the floors are swept or vacuumed to gather any loose crumbs. 

2. Seal Cracks That Lead into the Home 

One of the best ways to keep ants out is to eliminate access points to your home. Cracks around windows, doors and the foundation are common entryways for pests. A professional pest control technician can identify potential entrances and seal them shut with caulking. This method does degrade over time and requires reapplication over time.  

3. Use Deterrents

Taking steps to minimize pest temptation is important, but having a plan to keep them away ensures a more ideal outcome. Two ant repellants you can easily find in your home are mint and cayenne pepper. They hate the smell of these natural barriers and will keep them from being enticed into your home. 

There are several methods you can utilize. A few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball can be wiped on and around vulnerable areas. You can even leave a peppermint cotton ball in a cabinet or pantry. For cayenne pepper (or black pepper, if you don't have cayenne,) you can sprinkle it around or mix the pepper with water and spray areas of concern.

Don't let common pests ruin your summer. Trust the professionals of Taylor’s Weed & Pest Control in Hobbs, NM, to ensure your home and property are pest free. With over 40 years of combined experience, these pest control experts offer a number of specialized services including detection, control and elimination of pests like ants, spiders, bees, termites, mice, and bats. Their tried and true protocols effectively eliminate pesky and unwanted pests from your home and lawn. Additionally, they offer lawn care services for homeowners who have plant-eating pests, as well as fertilizing, weed removal and pruning. To learn more about their top-notch services, call (575) 492-9247 or visit the website.