How to Keep the Ants and Other Bugs at Bay During the Holidays

November 19, 2024

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and fun—but one thing no one wants to see at the table is ants! With the tempting smells of turkey, pies, and sweet treats wafting through the air, ants can be drawn to your feast faster than you can say "gravy." Luckily, keeping these unwanted guests at bay doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Secured Environments, we’ve put together some easy and effective tips to prevent ants from crashing your Thanksgiving celebration.

1. Keep Food Covered and Stored Properly

The first step in preventing ants from getting to your delicious spread is to keep food covered as much as possible. Whether it's a beautiful display of pies, side dishes, or appetizers, cover dishes with lids or foil to reduce the chances of ants detecting the scent of your food. For leftovers, be sure to store them in airtight containers to keep ants away even after the meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving food outside, try using food covers or mesh tents to protect your feast from pests.

2. Clean Up Immediately After Cooking and Eating

Ants are attracted to food scraps, spills, and even the tiniest crumbs. To avoid attracting ants to your Thanksgiving dinner, clean up immediately after cooking and eating. Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors, making sure to remove all food particles and sticky residues. If you spill anything sweet—like cranberry sauce or gravy—clean it up as soon as possible.

Pro Tip: Use a damp cloth with a little vinegar or dish soap to wipe down surfaces, as these scents can deter ants.

3. Set Ant Deterrents Around Your Home

To stop ants from even entering your home, place natural deterrents like cinnamon, lemon, or bay leaves around entry points. Ants dislike the strong scents of these items, so sprinkle them along windowsills, doorways, and other areas where ants might be trying to sneak in. A few strategically placed cloves or cinnamon sticks near food tables can keep ants away without harming your family or pets.

Pro Tip: You can also use essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil mixed with water in a spray bottle to create a natural ant repellent.

4. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Your Home

Ants don’t need much of an invitation to enter your home—they can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps. Inspect your doors, windows, and walls for any possible entry points, and seal them up with caulk. Pay special attention to areas around plumbing and electrical fixtures, where ants often find their way in.

Pro Tip: Use weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent ants from making their way indoors.

5. Use Ant Baits or Natural Traps

If ants have already started to invade your home, don’t panic. Place ant baits near the entry points where you’ve seen ants or along their trails. Ant baits are effective because they attract ants, which then carry the poison back to the colony. Alternatively, natural traps like a mixture of borax and sugar or vinegar and water can help get rid of ants without harmful chemicals.

Pro Tip: Make sure ant baits are placed out of reach of children and pets.

6. Create a Barrier with Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder that can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home. It works by dehydrating and killing ants when they come into contact with it. This is an effective and safe way to stop ants from entering your home without the use of harsh chemicals. Just be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for pets and humans.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle DE in areas like door frames, window sills, and along your kitchen baseboards.

7. Call in the Professionals

If ants continue to be a problem during your Thanksgiving festivities (or if you notice a major infestation), it might be time to call in the experts. At Secured Environments, we specialize in pest control and can provide you with effective, long-term solutions to keep ants—and other pests—away from your home, especially during important gatherings.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without worrying about ants taking over your table. Keep your home clean, use natural deterrents, and take steps to prevent ants from entering, and you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: great food, great company, and a wonderful holiday.

If ants are still a concern, don’t hesitate to contact us at Secured Environments. Our expert team can provide safe, effective pest control solutions to ensure your home remains pest-free all season long.

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