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How To Prevent An Ant Infestation In Your Santa Barbara Home

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You can find ants inside your California home all year long. These pesky pests can quickly invade and take over your home before you are even aware that they are there. 

At Jhonny's Pest Control, we understand that prevention is the best way to keep your home ant-free. However, if these small insects are able to get into your home, our Santa Barbara pest control specialist knows just what to do to get rid of them quickly.

Habits And Behaviors Of Common Home-Invading Ants

Many types of ants are found in Santa Barbara. One of the most common types of ants that homeowners have to deal with is the Argentine ant. These ants are usually about 1/8 inch long and have black or dark brown bodies. If these ants invade your home, you will likely find them walking in large and wide trails. They also tend to live in exceptionally large colonies, with several ants living together in one nest.

The pharaoh ant is the other type of ant you will likely find in your home. These ants are small and usually don't grow larger than 1/16 of an inch long. They typically have pale yellow or pale red bodies that have dark abdomens. These ants love to invade kitchens and other establishments that are likely to have abundant food. You can usually find them in commercial properties, like hotels or restaurants. However, they are also commonly found in residential areas as well. 

The Issues Ant Infestations Create In Homes

Ants in Santa Barbara may seem harmless, but they are much more than your average nuisance pests. These little creatures can carry and spread a wide range of harmful pathogens. If they crawl around the food you are about to eat, you may inadvertently acquire these harmful pathogens and become ill. Some of the most common illnesses people catch from having an ant infestation in their home include staph infections, streptococcus, salmonellosis, and E. coli infections. 

Prevention Is Critical To Successful Ant Control

While it is not impossible to eliminate an ant infestation, getting rid of ants is much more difficult than preventing them. Some of the things that you can do to prevent ants from coming into your home include:

  • Keep any dry food in a sealable container
  • Don't leave your pet's food and water dishes out in the open all day and all night
  • Fix any leaky pipes or any moisture issues around your home
  • Sweep, mop, and wipe off all hard surfaces in your kitchen often to ensure that there are no food particles left around

Because ants are so tiny, they can fit into some of the smallest cracks and crevices you may have around your home. Make sure to check the exterior of your home and seal any small gaps you find. 

Call The Professionals For Total Ant Control

Trying to keep ants out of your Santa Barbara home can seem like a frustrating and time-consuming task. At Jhonny's Pest Control, we take the hassle and stress out of home pest control in Santa Barbara. We can eliminate the ants in your home and take extra steps to ensure that they don't come back in the future. Give us a call today to schedule your free inspection and receive your free, no-obligation quote!