Page 41 - tenant handbook final_Neat

ANTS :

Infestation - ants in the home

Because pest species of ants frequently establish colonies in populated

areas, the insects often invade the homes of Canadian residents.

Attracted by the presence of food, foraging ants enter houses to scav-

enge for crumbs, oil or grease spills, sugar, and edible items regularly

found in kitchen pantries and easily contaminate food items.

Ants gain entry to buildings through cracks in the walls or foundation,
as well as through gaps or other small openings that often appear

where moldings or plumbing connect with the structure.

Large numbers of ants can successfully invade homes by detecting and
following an invisible trail produced by scouts sent previously by the

colony to search for food.

How can I prevent ants invading

Keep your home clean and sanitary, store food in tightly-sealed con-

tainers, clean up crumbs and spills promptly, sweep the floor regular-
ly, rinse food containers before recycling, keep the structure well

maintained, repair all cracks in walls and foundations, keep doors,

windows, and entry points sealed

If you see ants, wipe them up with a solution of 50-50 vinegar and wa-
ter, or straight vinegar. White vinegar kills ants and also repels them. If

you have an ant problem, try using diluted vinegar to clean hard sur-

faces, including floors and countertops, throughout your home.

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