5 Things to Know Before Your Residential Ant Treatment

Finding ants crawling through the kitchen or marching across the dining room floor isn't fun, but professional ant control treatments are an effective remedy. There are a few things to know before treatment begins if you want to ensure that it's successful.

1. Mark All The Trouble Spots

Ant extermination is more likely to be successful if the main nest and the majority of the other nests are destroyed. In the days leading up to your extermination appointment, take note of the main locations where you are finding ants. This includes indoors and outdoors, as indoor ants are often connected to a nest out in the yard.

2. Clear the Treatment Zone

Ant treatments typically consist of liquid sprays and bait traps. Sprays may be applied around the exterior perimeter of the house as well as in indoor hot spots. Remove anything that lies in the path, such as furniture, before treatment. The technician should indicate the likely bait trap sites so that you can also remove anything that would obstruct the installation process.

3. Clean Before Treatment

Although treatments are designed to actively work for a month or longer, they do need to cure for a day or two so they won't be washed away. This is true for both exterior and interior treatments. Complete any needed cleaning, both those using plain water and those using detergents, prior to your scheduled treatment. It's imperative that the pesticide is allowed to cure in place if it's to be effective.

4. Don't Try to DIY

Any type of do-it-yourself treatment, whether it is purchased at the hardware store or a folk remedy recommended by a friend, shouldn't be applied in the days leading up to the professional pesticide treatment. DIY treatments can affect the effectiveness and safety of the pesticides, so they shouldn't be mixed. If you have already used a DIY treatment recently, make sure to let your technician know before the application begins. 

5. Step Out for the Day

Although ant pesticides used in residential homes are safe once applied, they may not be safe during the application period. In some cases, they must dry in place for a brief period before it is safe to be around them. You and your pets should leave for a few hours during treatment; your technician will tell you the specific length depending on the type of treatment that is being used. 

Contact an ant control service if you notice these pests in your home.