Dry Weather Means More Ants—What to Do About Them

March 20th, 2020

Dry Weather Means More Ants

The dry weather in Florida right now means that many people have more ants coming into their home. Just like people, ants need food and water to survive. At the beginning of spring, things are still just coming to life in nature. And with Florida as dry as it’s been, it has been difficult for them to find water as well. The ants have to be able to survive, so they’ll go searching for what they need.

Our homes are big magnets for ants. Food crumbs and open containers give them plentiful food sources. Even if you have no standing water in your home, the ants can get water from your faucets. Every home in America is a dream come true for an ant. And when resources are sparse and the colony needs to forage, your home is their most likely target.

Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to prevent ants from taking over your kitchen or bathroom.

• Clean food spills and crumbs immediately.
• Store fruit in the fridge.
• Any food left on the counter should be in an air-tight container.
• Keep trash cans clean inside and out.
• Keep pet bowls clean and dry.
• Watch your potted plants for insect activity.

Ants are foraging in your home because they need resources. If you follow these measures, there won’t be any resources for them to find, and they’ll go elsewhere.

There are also some things you can do to discourage ants from ever coming into the house in the first place. These include the following:

• Seal cracks and crevices.
• Replace weather stripping and loose mortar.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
• Routinely check for leaks or areas of moisture.

If you still get ants in your home and it seems you have been invaded, call us for assistance. While ants are not inherently dangerous, they can carry bacteria to your food. It is best to address the problem right away.