It’s never a good sign when you spot ants in the house, regardless of whether it’s just a stray ant here and there or a mass infestation. Ants dwell in colonies, so where one or two ants are found, many others can follow. And while some types of ants may be nothing more than a nuisance, others could contaminate your food or even cause painful bites.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep ants away for good. Whether you’ve seen ants in your home or want to prevent ant problems in the future, check out our expert tips on how to keep ants out of your house.

Like most critters, ants come around in search of warmth, shelter, food, and water. So leaving out crumbs and bits of food is like an invitation for ants to come feast. Keep ants away by regularly sweeping the floor, cleaning countertops, and vacuuming around the house. By cleaning regularly, you’ll make it harder for them to find what they’re looking for, and you’ll be less likely to have to deal with an ant infestation.

Even if you have a clean, organized pantry, ants may still come looking for food if you aren’t using air-tight containers. Ants may pick up the scent of your food and have an easy entry point if you leave cereal, chips, and other pantry staples in their original containers. Instead, use air-tight containers or jars to store your food.

Many people assume that ants just come for food, but they also might find their way into your house in search of water. In fact, even the smallest water spills could result in an ant problem. Avoid an ant problem by quickly cleaning up water bottle spills, splashes from the bath, and other water leaks around the house.

Ants are small enough to make their way through even the smallest points of entry around the house, from a tiny crack to a small hole in the weather stripping of a door. Keep the ants and other pests away by making sure your home is well sealed. (Bonus: It will make your home more energy-efficient, too!)

Not every ant problem can be handled with home remedies, which is why it’s important to have your home regularly treated by an ant pest control company. Pest control professionals will know how to create a plan tailored to your home, helping you keep ants away in every season.

Knowing how to keep ants out of your house is the first step to having a pest-free home. Let the professionals at Proterra help safeguard your home with our safe, convenient, and environmentally-friendly ant pest control in Washington. Contact us today to set up an appointment.