Ants like to migrate from the garden to indoor spaces because they can find food and shelter there. They penetrate through cracks and can create nests in walls, which can damage them.
Possible damage
The experts in house demolition are termites, which are related to the ants. Our native ants cause far less damage, but an infestation should not be underestimated. If nothing is done against ants and they nestle permanently in the masonry, this can even have a negative impact on the statics.
Possible damage from ants are:
- Decomposition of wall material
- Destruction of wooden components
- Attrition of insulation materials
- Reduction of the load-bearing capacity of wooden beams
- Moisture and mold
If ants are discovered in the masonry, the damage is usually very large. The reason for this is that the insects are due
their size go unnoticed for a long time. Often only small piles of dust in the area of walls. This is a first warning that the insects might be living in the wall.Causes of an infestation
The causes of ants in the masonry are very simple, because they look for safe shelter there and find more than enough food in the house. Especially in years when it is very rainy, for example, or there is little food for them in nature, they prefer to invade houses.
Tip: If you find that ants are already starting to build nests in the garden near the house, move them around. The greater the distance between a nest and the house, the less likely the ants will occupy the masonry.
Immediate action
If you have discovered an infestation in the masonry, you should take immediate action against the insects
seize. Often it is not necessary to use insect repellants against ants, which are actually useful. Simple measures and tried and tested home remedies can also help.How to take action against ants:
- Seal openings in the masonry
- Replace leaking seals
- Check walls for moisture and take countermeasures
- Interrupt existing ant trails
- Remove food sources in the house
Even if you have food sources, and that includes garbage disposal areas or the food bowls away from pets, that doesn't stop the insects from looking for new sources around the house Looking for. Therefore it is also important to chase them away with suitable means. The advantage is that ants react very strongly to some smells. This is a very good way of breaking roads and driving insects out of the wall.
Ants don't like the following remedies:
- cinammon
- Vinegar water
- Essential oils (lemon, lavender, peppermint)
- Cucumber peels
- sulfur
Note: You should avoid using products such as baking powder or baking soda, as this can lead to the agonizing death of the insects. If the infestation is so severe that you cannot be scared off, you should contact a specialist.
In addition to fragrances that
Don't like ants, they also react to chalk or baby powder. Both contain talc, which insects avoid because it would damage the antennae or Clog the airways. Therefore, you usually do not cross a drawn line with these means. Once you have driven the ants away, check the masonry for damage. After an ant infestation, remedial measures may be necessary to remove mold or replace destroyed elements.Prevent future infestation
So that you are spared the insects in the house, you should first and foremost ensure that the masonry is tight. It is generally worth checking joints and seals at regular intervals, because they not only offer insects an open gate, but energy is lost through them, which increases your heating costs. A single ant does not make up a whole nest in the house, but the insects send out scouts who go in search of food. If you see a single ant in the house, take it outside immediately.
Ants are always a risk in the vicinity of the house. If you create a retreat for the insects in the garden, they will settle there and not even get near the walls. You should move nests in unfavorable places quickly.
