Ants are a problem that many families run into eventually. However, you might not know why it’s so important to make sure these ants don’t end up becoming a bigger problem. Ants, to many people, are just an element of homeownership. In fact, it doesn’t have to be like that, however. You can absolutely avoid ants in the house, but you need to know how to do so. Here’s what you should know about doing that.
Potential Problems
What are the problems that ants can cause? These are some of the biggest reasons people want to get rid of ants in the home.
Bites for Kids
Although no one thinks an ant bite is fun, it can be a genuine problem for children that doesn’t often show up in adults. Children are much more likely to end up with an allergic reaction to ant bites than adults, and that can be very dangerous. Avoiding ant bites is a great idea for kids whenever possible.
Contamination of Food
Ants regularly try to eat human food. This isn’t much of a surprise. What is more of a surprise is the fact that this can actually lead to food contamination. If an ant gets into one of your food storage containers and eats some of it, then leaves, you can still have contamination throughout the food container. This can be disgusting, but it can also lead to some diseases.
Larger Pests
Though ants don’t seem like much of a pest to get rid of, they can lead to much larger pests. Large insects typically prey on smaller insects like ants, and non-insect animal pests can often eat those larger insects. If you don’t get rid of the tiny pests like ants, you might not be able to get rid of other pests later.
How to Avoid Ants in a Kid-Friendly Way
There are a number of ways to get rid of ants. These are some of the best ways for homes with kids to avoid ants.
Empty Trash on a Regular Basis
First off, you want to make sure you empty the trash regularly. The trash typically has a lot of water and old food in it. If you don’t empty it out directly to the garbage can on a regular basis, you run the risk of ants finding the trash can and starting to swarm around it.
Seal Food in Airtight Containers
It’s also important to seal food in airtight containers, especially food that you keep in the pantry. Some food may come in an airtight container, but it’s important to move other foods, like flour, to an airtight container once you’ve opened them. That way, you don’t have to worry about ants finding those foods.
Wipe Down Kitchen Counters After Using Them
Teaching your kids to wipe down the kitchen counter after using it will be an extremely effective way to make sure they stay clean as they grow up. Plus, it helps remove small amounts of food and water that you may not have noticed on the kitchen counter.
Fix Cracked Pavement and Foundations
Although this isn’t something you can tell your kids to do directly, it’s important that you fix the cracked pavement and foundations underneath your home. If you need to call in a foundation repair expert, that’s your best option for making sure that your home no longer has an ant problem. Plus, this will make it safer for your kids overall.
Conclusion
Ants are a very genuine problem that many families struggle with. If you have ants in your home, don’t worry. It’s definitely possible to get rid of them and live a more normal, ant-free life. Just make sure you follow these tips and tricks and fix any cracked pavement in your home as soon as possible.
