Six Ways to Keep Your Bend Home Free from Ants in the Summer
Summer in Bend is the kind of season that makes you want to spend every possible moment outside. It brings warm weather and long days. But summer can also be the time when ants begin to invade homes in the area.
Ants are small enough to get through the tiniest gaps. They leave a scent trail that brings the rest of the colony behind them once they find a food source inside your home. Thankfully, you can take proactive steps with Pointe Pest and Pointe Pest Control to keep them out before they become a full-blown problem.
1. Seal Every Entry Point You Can Find
Ants can squeeze through the smallest cracks in your foundation and gaps around window frames. They can also enter through spaces around utility pipes. A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior can help stop an ant problem before it starts. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any openings you find.
2. Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Dry
Your kitchen is the number one destination for ants in the summer. Food crumbs, spills, and moisture attract them, and even a small mess left overnight can bring an entire trail of ants by morning. Helpful habits include:
- Wiping down countertops and stovetops after every meal.
- Storing food in airtight containers.
- Emptying your trash regularly and ensuring lids fit securely.
- Fixing any leaky faucets or pipes immediately.
- Sweeping or vacuuming the kitchen floor daily during summer.
Ants are always searching for food and water, so removing these attractants makes a big difference.
3. Address Moisture Problems Around Your Home
Moisture attracts carpenter ants in particular. These are among the more destructive species found in Bend homes. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to build nests, which can cause structural damage.
Moisture-prone areas include basements, crawl spaces, areas around water heaters or washing machines, and under bathroom sinks. Proper ventilation and quick repairs of leaks can make your home far less appealing to these pests.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs Away from Your Home
Overgrown vegetation often acts as a bridge for ants. Branches and shrubs that touch your home give ants direct access to your walls or roofline.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they do not touch siding, windows, or the roof. Also avoid placing mulch or wood chips directly against your foundation, as these materials retain moisture and attract pests.
5. Store Firewood Away from Your House
Many Bend homeowners keep firewood for cooler evenings, but storage matters. Wood piles are a common nesting area for ants, especially carpenter ants.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep it elevated off the ground if possible. This reduces the risk of ants and other pests moving indoors.
6. Schedule a Professional Pest Inspection
Prevention alone may not be enough if ants have already established a colony near your Bend home. A licensed professional from Pointe Pest and Pointe Pest Control can identify the species involved and locate the source of the problem.
They can apply targeted treatments that go beyond store-bought solutions and help prevent recurring infestations. Regular inspections also allow early detection of potential pest issues before they become costly problems.
