To first step to get rid of ants is to perform thorough inspection.
Why do I need to inspect for ants?
Ants may be active in more than one area of your home, business or yard. Plus, you’ll have more success getting rid of the ants if you can find and kill the source: the ant nest or nests. Otherwise, the ants will keep coming back.
A thorough inspection helps you identify where ants are active, nesting and entering the structure, as well as the species of ant causing the problem. Armed with this information, you can choose the best DIY ant killers and pest control products for the job, and you will know where to apply them for maximum impact.
Where do I look for ants indoors?
Common places to look for ants indoors are:
- kitchens: counters, food cupboards, stove tops, near refrigerators and dishwashers, garbage pails, recycling storage bins, pet bowls, pet food storage areas
- bathrooms: under sinks and bathtubs where water condensation forms and leaks occur
- garages, especially if food or pet food is stored here
- near doors, sliding doors and windows
- on the floor along the edges of carpet, hardwood, tile, baseboards, cupboards
- rooms where food is consumed: bedrooms, living room, dining room, den / family room, basement
- potted plants
- where water is leaking or has leaked: under sinks and bathtubs, around windows and doors, the crawlspace, under the roof
Where do I look for ants outdoors?
Common places to look for ants outdoors are:
- along hard edges of driveways, sidewalks, patio pavers, foundations
- under leaf litter, planters, landscaping rocks, lawn ornaments
- in old tree stumps, brush piles, firewood, landscape timbers
- where wood touches soil (decks, siding, fence posts)
- in water-damaged wood (trim around doors, windows, near leaking gutters)
- near mounds of excavated soil
When ants are found, you may be able to follow their trail to the nest. Get tips on how to follow ant trails. Once you know where the ants are active, you can choose the best DIY or do-it-yourself ant killers (bait stations, insecticide sprays, DE ant dust or DE ant powder) for the job.
Also read:
5 Steps to Get Rid of Ants for Good
The Best DIY Ant Killers in Canada
