Why Are Ants Worse in the Summer?
Ants are worse in the summer because the warm weather presents a suitable working environment. Most insects leave their home when atmosphere temperatures reach a minimal 45 degree Fahrenheit. Every ant is responsible for a single job so when temperatures rise, it is sure to get to work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ant Trends
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Ants, similar to humans, can't survive severe cold weather for long periods of time, so they move to deep locations in their underground homes where they huddle together until the weather turns warm again. Ants spend the summer months collecting food to store in their homes to eat during the winter. This process keeps ants extremely busy in the summer scouring the ground around their winter den, which is likely to include your home. Their small body sizes allow them to squeeze between doors and windows making their way inside your home and to a food source: your kitchen.
Natural Repellent
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Orange Guard is a non-toxic ant prevention spray that uses natural orange peel extract to deter ants from entering your home. Spray the repellent near small openings in your home such as the base of doors and windows. Worker ants leave scent trails when they locate food, which is why you may have seen a line of ants using a single trail to carry cereal pieces right out your door. Spray Orange Guard along any known ant trails to hinder ants from picking up scent trail traces.
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Interesting Facts
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Ants seem like pests that cause more frustration than good however, ants help keep our eco system in balance. For instance, one species of ant in Central America lives inside Acacia trees and keeps harmful bugs and invading plants from taking over the tree. In return, the Acacia tree is kept in good condition so humans can extract the gum for medicinal purposes. Consider using only humane ant repellents and removal processes when ants get worse in the summer to aid in sustaining natural resources.
Safety
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Natural ant prevention strategies including those focused on outdoor repellents are safe options for households with children and pets. Plant mint around the base of your home and focus on areas near doorways or leave garlic cloves in the midst of outdoor ant trails leading to your home. Train your pets to stay away from the garlic because it can cause health problems in large doses. Cats are more susceptible to garlic related problems than dogs.
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References
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