Thursday, June 26, 2008

The peak of ant season started a month early this year, thanks to the region's heavy rains and record heat. Ants are a year-round pest, but when it's very wet or hot outside, they're especially active. They have more problems finding food, water or adequate shelter, so they creep into homes. Usually this doesn't happen until July and August.

It's common sense that you can reduce your chances of an invasion by keeping your house clean and not leaving food out and uncovered. And in the midst of an outbreak, various sprays, traps and home remedies can be helpful. (During a Home Front online chat two weeks ago, readers mentioned that they've used lemons, oranges, cinnamon and pepper to get rid of ants). However, "always bet on the bug," says Greg Baumann, vice president of technical services for the National Pest Management Association. Ants can find several ways into your home, he says, so those repellents might provide only temporary relief.

Instead, "if you do see ants," Baumann says, "grab a couple specimens, and put them in a plastic bag or a jar. . . . All ants are not the same," so a specialist needs to identify what types of ants are invading your house to pinpoint the trail and find their nest.

Kathleen Hom