Ant infestations are a common problem for both homeowners and businesses. These tiny yet persistent creatures can invade kitchens, bathrooms, and any other place where food or water is available. With over 12000 known species, it can be hard to identify and remove ants from your space.

You can opt for some regular ant killers for an easy fix. However, many store-bought products often fail to do the job. You may get frustrated when the problem persists or worsens. It particularly happens in areas like  Burnaby where conditions are favorable for their growth.

Ant control in Burnaby or elsewhere isn’t about killing ants but understanding their behavior, colony dynamics, and the limitations of store-bought products. Today, we will explore why regular ant killers often fail and effective alternatives to tackle ant problems comprehensively.

6 Reasons Store-bought Ant Killers Fail

1. Failure to Address the Root Cause

Most store-bought ant killers are designed to eliminate visible ants. They don’t address the root cause, the colony. Ants operate within a highly organized system where worker ants search for food to bring it to the queen and larvae.

Killing these visible ants does nothing to harm the colony itself. Without targeting the queen, the infestation continues, as the colony simply sends out more workers to replace the ones that were killed.

2. Limited Effectiveness on Different Ant Species

There are over 12,000 species of ants. Each type has its unique behaviors and preferences. Store-bought products often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, which is ineffective for many species.

For instance, some ants prefer sugary foods while others are attracted to protein. Using the wrong product for the specific ant species in your home will fail to attract them. It ultimately makes the product useless.

3. Short-Term Solutions

Most ant killers provide immediate but short-term results. Sprays and traps might kill ants on contact or in localized areas only. However, they don't offer long-term prevention. Ant colonies can adapt quickly, often finding alternative routes or locations. Without a strategy to prevent future infestations, the problem will persist.

4. Incorrect Application

Store-bought ant killers require precise application to be effective. Misplacing baits, overusing sprays, or applying them in non-target areas can significantly reduce their effectiveness. It can even worsen the condition.

For example, sprays can repel ants instead of killing them. It can cause the colony to scatter and relocate, which makes it more challenging to get rid of them.

5. Resistance Development

Just like any other pest, ants can also develop resistance over time. The chemicals used in store-bought products may not harm them after some time. This is particularly true for products that use the same active ingredients repeatedly. When ants survive an initial treatment, they pass on their resistance to future generations. It will make the product less effective with each use.

6. Environmental and Safety Concerns

Many store-bought ant killers contain harsh chemicals that pose risks to pets, children, and even adults if used improperly. The fear of these risks often leads to underapplication. It leaves the infestation unaddressed. Moreover, these chemicals may harm beneficial insects and contaminate the environment.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants

Seal Entry Points

One of the best ways to control ants is to stop them from entering your home. When they cannot get inside, they will not be able to develop colonies. Therefore, you need to seal all entry points from where these tiny creatures can invade your space. You have to inspect your home thoroughly to notice all cracks and openings.

After that, you have to seal them using appropriate products. White cement can be used to fill tiny gaps or cracks in walls. Try to repair broken windows and doors. You should also check air vents to see if ants can enter using them. Above all, you have to use door bottom seal strips to block their entrance completely.

Maintain Cleanliness

Sealing the entrance points will do the job for you. However, if ants can find food inside your home, they might find a way to invade your space. Therefore, the next thing you can do is to clean your space. Declutter it to remove hiding spots for ants. After that, clean it properly to keep ants at bay.

Pay special attention to the kitchen as it’s the part of your home that invites ants. You should clear all the shelves and surfaces regularly. The key thing you have to focus on is avoid leaving food grains on the floor. Clean the kitchen immediately after cooking to avoid ant infestation.

Hire Professionals

If you fail to keep ants away from your home or they have already infested your property, the best thing you can do is to call professionals. They will help you get rid of these tiny creatures permanently. They have access to modern tools and know effective ways to deal with pests.

They will find the colony and destroy it to mitigate the risk of future invasions. Moreover, they can give some effective tips to pest-proof your home.

Store-bought ant killers often fail because they don’t target the root cause. A better approach involves sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and hiring professionals.