As we enter the festive season, one thing most South Africans enjoy doing is feasting on their delicious and mouthwatering festive treats. From the gammon, to the juicy ribs and not to forget the sticky wings, these are things that will have you asking for more… but how would you feel if your local visitors beat you to it?
While families often enjoy filling up their food basket with these delicious treats, leaving your food until the next day might offer the platform for an army of ants to come and enjoy themselves in your kitchen.
According to Tsebo – a renowned cleaning services company – ants often thrive during the warmer summer months.
“As the temperature rises and food sources become abundant, ants kick-start their summer activities. One of the initial signs of ant activity is the emergence of foragers scouting for food.
“These diligent workers leave their nests in search of sugary substances, proteins, and other nourishing materials to sustain the colony. You may spot individual ants or small trails leading from trees, plants, or even your kitchen pantry,” explains Tsebo.
While they are often viewed as harmless little insects in search of food, the above mentioned cleaning company added that they do pose a threat of destructing anything in its path once infesting your home.
It is said that some ants, known as carpentry ants, cause serious structural damage to wood in order to nest, while others may damage your garden by harming the plants.
It is therefore important that home owners try various ways of stopping infestation of ants in one’s home.
Paul’s Termite & Pest Control – an American Pest control company – recommends the following tips to prevent ants from entering your home:
- Put away dirty dishes. It’s best to wash dirty dishes and put them away right away. If you use a dishwasher, shut the door tightly to keep ants out.
- Clean with a vinegar solution: Mop floors and clean counters with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution.
- Clean the kitchen every day.
- Don’t leave food out. Keep all food that you want to store in cabinets or on your counters in air-tight containers. If possible, keep fruit and vegetables in your fridge.
- Pet food. Don’t let your pet’s food and water stay out all night.
- Standing water. Fix any leaky pipes or taps so there isn’t any standing water inside.
- Garbage. Take the garbage out at least once a day and use a bin that has an air-tight lid.
Also see: 5 Insects and bugs you can eat
