Ants may seem like only a mild inconvenience when you spot one or two around your house. However, allow them to multiply, and you may soon start feeling your skin crawl. Their size and quickness make them hard to track, and even harder to keep out. This article will help you not only find ants in and around your home, but give you quick tips on how to keep them out.

Noticing an ant infestation too late can cause grief, but finding the early warning signs can help contain these pesky insects. Here are some things to look out for if you suspect an ant invasion:

1. Where There is Food . . .

When food is left out in your kitchen or living room, it can easily be swarmed by ants. It’s easy to forget to always cover up leftovers, especially if you’ve never had an ant infestation. Ants can easily sniff out food and try to carry it away. Uncovered dog food dishes can also attract ants. If you start seeing these little pests congregating around Fluffy’s spilled kibble, that may be a sign of an infestation.

2. Look For Pathways

Once a few ants have made way to food or other desirable source, they create pathways by laying down pheromones to let other ants in their colonies know where there might be food. This will create long lines going to and from ant colonies that will perpetuate a greater number of ants going in and out of your home.

3. Dirt Means Trouble

Similarly, ant nests and dirt piles could be warning signs for a future infestation. Ant nests look like small dirt mounds often on the ground or in dark areas, while small piles of dirt are also found around nest sites. These are both indicative of large ant colonies, and warrants immediate action.

Taking Action

You may have noticed these signs in your home, and you’re now absolutely sure that ants have invaded. Unfortunately, you don’t have the time nor the money to call an exterminator. Don’t worry – there are simpler actions you can take to keep these pesky insects out.

First, identify exactly where the ants are coming in by following where each trail leads, and knowing where the nests are at. Then, use silicone to seal as many potential entrances as you can using a caulk. Although you may not be able to plug every entrance, the tight sealing power of silicone can keep the majority of ants out of the house.

Don’t let these ants ruin your home – take control!