With the coming of spring, carpenter ants emerge and begin looking for food. With a keen sense of smell, they can detect any sweets or meats left in the open. One of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to keep countertops clean. However, to even better protect the home, Extermination Services, a pest control company in Port Orchard, WA, has shared their favorite methods for warding off ants.

3 Pest Control Tips to Keep Carpenter Ants Away

1. Salt Barrier

The reason carpenter ants enter homes in the first place is to follow a scent trail. If you can effectively disrupt that trail, the critters will have no reason to continue. You can do this with a thin line of salt. Simply pour a thin line anywhere ants may enter. This could include at the bottom of a door, along a window sill, and at any cracks in the walls or trim. This salt will absorb the smells and creates confusion among the pests.

2. Vinegar Spray

If a physical deterrent is too bothersome, try this pest control method instead. The smell of vinegar is powerful to a human nose. To ants, it is off-putting and will overpower any smells that may be enticing. Create a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar, either apple cider or white, and spray along your entryways both inside and outside of the home. For bonus protection, use cleaning products that utilize vinegar for double the power.

3. Clean Yard

Carpenter ants will be attracted to areas where they can build a nest. Mounds of firewood, fallen tree branches, and tall grass are all excellent hiding places for these pests. To keep them far away from the house, keep a clean and tidy yard. Store firewood far away from your building or within a shed. Cut the grass regularly and remove fallen leaves or debris as well.

These three methods will help prevent an ant infestation. However, if you've already noticed some critters on your countertop, call Extermination Services right away. As a residential pest control company, they handle a variety of issues from bee and rodent removal to spider control. They offer a 90-day warranty for all pests. For more information, visit their website or call (360) 895-1890.