Have you ever left the lid off the jar of peanut butter for an extended period of time? How about the honey jar? Have you ever dropped a piece of bread off the counter into the little gap next to the fridge and forgotten about it? Yes? Then you know the sickening feeling of having ants in your house.
As the old saying goes, “THIS IS HOW YOU GET ANTS!”
So how can you keep an army of marauding ants from invading the sanctity of your home? At Modern Pest Services, we practice Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. IPM is a holistic, comprehensive approach that helps many people manage and mitigate their pest issues. IPM not only deals with the pests themselves, but also the conditions that are conducive to pests in general. IPM focuses on the three conditions needed for a pest survive; food, water and shelter. This is also known as the “triangle of life”, and it’s the foundation we use for a thorough inspection of your property, inside and out.
Common Exterior Harborage Sites (or locations where pests seek shelter)
- Rock walls
- Tall grass
- Under or near dumpsters
- Under decks
- Under stored items
- In tall grass
- Rotten trees
Common Entry Points
- Cracks in walls or foundations
- Holes around pipes (They love and need moisture!)
- Utility or wiring access points
- Damaged door sweeps
- Tree branches touching building
- Vent screens (Attic or basement)
Common Interior Harborage Sites
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Pantry
- Basement and Attic
IPM Tips For You
- Seal all holes or gaps in the foundation, around wires or pipes
- Weather stripping on all doors, including bulkheads
- Fix all leaks in pipes and keep good ventilation
- Keep your space clutter free
- Store all food products in tamper resistant containers
- Vacuum frequently
- Cover all vents with sturdy mesh screening
Obviously, there is a lot you can do on your own to keep your pest pressure to a minimum. We encourage that. Still, it is best to partner with a qualified Pest Management Professional, such as the team at Modern Pest, to help you develop a complete and customized IPM plan for your property. Every situation offers unique challenges, and tapping into the expertise of a professional is essential to make sure you are fully protected. The last thing you ever want to hear someone exclaim as they walk into your kitchen is, “THIS IS HOW YOU GET ANTS!”. Call Modern at 1-800-323-7378 or click to schedule an appointment.
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