How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants in Edmond, OK

We all love sugar. From dripping summertime ice cream cones to sickly sweet apple pie, there’s nothing quite as tasty as a little something sweet.

Unfortunately, all kinds of pests love sugar too – including ants. 

If you’ve noticed tiny, sugar-loving invaders marching in a line across your kitchen counter, it could be sugar ants. Sugar ants are a common problem for homeowners in Edmond, OK, and they can be incredibly persistent once they’ve found a food source in your home.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite sweet snacks – you just need to take steps to make sure you’re the only one doing so. In this post, we’ll tell you all about how to get rid of sugar ants so you can keep your home safe, clean, and comfortable.

Why Are Sugar Ants Attracted To Your Home?

Sugar ants, also known as odorous house ants, are incredibly attracted to sweet substances. They have a knack for finding even the tiniest crumbs or spills of sugary food. 

If you’ve been leaving out sweets or sugary drinks, that’s probably what’s drawing them in. They’re not picky eaters and will gladly take advantage of any food source they can find.

Aside from food, sugar ants are also attracted to moisture. They often make their way into homes searching for water, especially during dry spells. 

Leaky faucets, damp towels, or even pet water dishes can be a call to action for these tiny pests. 

Signs You Have a Sugar Ant Infestation

Not sure if those tiny ants are indeed sugar ants? Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for:

• Trails of Ants: Sugar ants often travel in large groups. If you see a line of ants marching towards a food source, you likely have a sugar ant problem.
• Small Size: Sugar ants are tiny, usually about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, making them easy to overlook until they’ve already invaded.
• Sweet Tooth: If you notice ants congregating around sugary spills, fruit, or sweet foods, you’re likely dealing with sugar ants.

Sugar ants can also emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed, which is another way to identify them.

Immediate Steps to Take When You Spot Sugar Ants

Seeing sugar ants in your home can indeed be alarming, but don’t panic. You have options.

First, clean up any food spills or crumbs right away to remove their primary attractant. Use soap and water to wipe down any counters and floors where you’ve already spotted ants.

Next, try to identify the entry points where the ants are coming into your home. This might be cracks in the walls, gaps around windows or doors, or even through utility lines. Seal these entry points with caulk to prevent more ants from entering.

Finally, set up ant traps or bait stations near the areas where you’ve seen the most activity. These traps will lure ants in and eliminate them, tackling the problem at its source. 

How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants

The best course of action in getting rid of sugar ants will always be to prevent them. However, since you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you already have a sugar ant problem that needs disposing of. 

DIY Remedies

One popular method is using a mixture of vinegar and water. Simply spray this solution along the ant trails and entry points to repel the ants. The strong scent of vinegar will disrupt their scent trails and discourage them from entering your home.

Another effective remedy is using a mixture of borax and sugar. Mix equal parts of borax and sugar and place small amounts in shallow dishes near the ant trails. The sugar will attract the ants, while the borax will kill them. Be cautious with this method if you have pets or small children, as borax can be harmful if ingested.

You can also try using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil. Mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it around the entry points and areas where you’ve seen ants. The strong scent of these oils acts as a natural repellent and can help keep sugar ants at bay.

Professional Solutions

While DIY remedies can be effective for minor infestations, sometimes you need to call in the professionals. Summit Pest Solutions offers specialized services to deal with sugar ants and other pests. 

If you’re dealing with a severe infestation or just want peace of mind, giving Summit Pest Solutions a call might be the best solution.

How to Prevent Sugar Ants from Coming Back in the Future

Getting rid of sugar ants is one thing; keeping them away is another. Keeping sugar ants out of your home is similar to preventing other types of ants:

Keep a Clean Home

One of the best ways to prevent a re-infestation is to maintain a clean and tidy home. Regularly wipe down counters, sweep floors, and take out the trash to eliminate potential food sources. 

Make sure to store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving fruits or sweets out on the counter.

Fix Leaks or Sources of Moisture

Fix any leaks or sources of moisture in your home. This includes repairing leaky faucets, checking for proper drainage, and keeping areas like bathrooms and kitchens dry. 

Moisture is a big attractant for sugar ants, so eliminating it can go a long way in preventing them from entering your home.

Mind Your Landscape

Believe it or not, your yard and landscaping can also play a role in preventing sugar ant infestations. Trim back trees and shrubs that are close to your home, as ants can use these as bridges to enter your house. Keep your yard clean and free of debris, as piles of leaves or wood can be attractive nesting sites for ants.

Consider using ant repellents around the perimeter of your home. Products containing diatomaceous earth or essential oils can be effective in repelling ants and preventing them from entering your home. Regularly inspect and maintain your outdoor spaces to create a less inviting environment for sugar ants.

Practice Proper Food Storage

Invest in airtight containers for storing pantry items like sugar, flour, and cereal. Ants can easily infiltrate poorly sealed packages, so keeping your food in airtight containers can deny them access.

Make it a habit to clean up immediately after meals. Wipe down tables, counters, and stovetops to remove any food residues. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, as this can attract sugar ants looking for an easy meal.

If you have pets, make sure their food dishes are cleaned regularly and stored properly. Pet food can be just as enticing to ants as human food, so maintaining cleanliness in this area is also important.

Don’t Be Sweet on Sugar Ants – Kick Them Out for Good!

Dealing with sugar ants in Edmond, OK, can be a frustrating experience, but with the right approach, you can keep your home ant-free. By understanding what attracts sugar ants, taking immediate action, and implementing long-term prevention strategies, you can say goodbye to these pesky invaders for good.

For those stubborn infestations that just won’t go away, consider reaching out to Summit Pest Solutions. Our expert team is ready to provide you with effective solutions and tips on how to get rid of sugar ants and other common pests.

Don’t wait – take action today and reclaim your home from sugar ants!