How to Combat Ants with Tanglefoot

There are many small things you can do to make sure you don't get an infestation of ants. If you already have them around, here are some ways you can easily take care of them.

All foods that are attractive to ants should be stored in tightly sealed containers. All wastes from the preparation and cleanup of meals should be transferred immediately to an outdoor garbage can.

Once you've made food and water unavailable, you need to prevent ants from entering your home. Seal or caulk entry spots, such as cracks in the foundation or siding, around doors and windows, along baseboards, walls, and cabinets.

Ants become a problem outdoors when they protect insects that damage plants, such as aphids, scales and mealybugs from attack by their natural enemies. Certain ants stroke aphids to increase their production of honeydew, or carry them to un-infested plants to supply them with ample food.