If you're struggling to keep ants out of your outside garbage can, you're not alone. Ants are drawn to garbage cans like moths to a flame, and it can be frustrating to deal with a constant infestation.
Fortunately, we have done our research and found the 4 most effective ways to prevent ants from invading your trash and your yard. In this article, we'll explore these 4 techniques for keeping ants out of your outside garbage can, so you can keep your home and yard ant-free!
The 3 Keys to Understanding an Ant Problem
1. Understand Ant Behavior and Nature
Ants are social insects that live in colonies. They have a highly organized social structure that includes a queen, workers, and soldiers. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, and the workers are responsible for gathering food and taking care of the young. Soldiers are responsible for protecting the colony from predators.
This makes them a very pesky plague to deal with which is why it is important to understand their behavior. When one ant smells and detects your trash, there will be a colony of ants in your yard in no time.
So, let’s solve the problem from the root. Why are ants so attracted to garbage cans in the first place?
2. 6 Reasons Why Ants Are Attracted to Garbage Cans in the First Place
Before we dive into the solutions, it's important to understand why ants are attracted to garbage cans in the first place. Garbage cans provide multiple benefits for the ants, including:
- A reliable source of food, especially during the warmer months when natural options are scarce.
- A source of water which is essential for their survival.
- And a warm environment to protect themselves against their natural enemies.
So, it may come as no surprise that finding a garbage can for an ant is like finding a gold mine, pretty soon, every ant will want a piece.
Don’t worry, to understand how we can prevent them from appearing in the first place, we can dive a little deeper into what attracts them to the garbage. Ants are attracted to garbage cans for several reasons:
- The smell of decomposing food and organic matter
- The moisture from damp trash
- And the warmth emitted by the garbage can.
It’s also important to know which type of ant you are dealing with, because not all solutions will apply to all species and some may require more drastic measures than others. Let’s get into the main types of ants.
3. Identify the 4 Types of Ants and How they are Different
There are several types of ants that are commonly found in and around garbage cans and the difference is important given it could give you more in depth information on how to treat or prevent an ant problem.
Here are the 4 main species that are most commonly found in domestic garbage cans. Here is a breakdown about what you need to know.
Now that we have identified the different types of ants, their descriptions, attractions, and nesting habits, as well as understood their behavior, and why they are attracted to garbage cans, we can get into the 4 methods of ant infestation prevention.
The 4 Methods of Ant Prevention
1. Choose the Right Garbage Can
Garbage cans are an essential part of any household waste management system. They help keep our homes and neighborhoods clean and free from unwanted pests like ants.
However, not all garbage cans are created equal when it comes to ant prevention. Here is a list of do’s and don'ts when selecting a garbage can that will help you keep ants away.
Additional Features to Consider when Selecting a Garbage Can
Some garbage cans come with additional features that can help prevent ants and other pests. A few examples are:
- Built-in insect repellent that can keep ants and other insects away.
- Removable inner bucket that makes it easy to clean the can and dispose of waste without attracting ants.
- Air-tight lids specifically designed to keep ants away.
When selecting a garbage can, think about the features that are important to you and your household. By choosing the right garbage can, you can help prevent ants and other pests from getting into your waste and causing a nuisance.
2. Apply a Proper Garbage Disposal Routine
Proper garbage disposal is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Not only does it prevent the spread of disease, but it also helps to keep pests like ants and rodents at bay. Here are three keys into creating a healthy garbage disposal routine.
1. Bagging Your Trash Correctly
One of the most important steps you can take to keep ants out of your outside garbage can is to bag your trash correctly. It is essential to make sure that all of your garbage is securely contained within the bag, with no loose items or debris hanging out of the top.
Double-bagging your trash can be especially helpful, as it creates an extra layer of protection against ants and other pests. Additionally, tying your bags tightly and storing them in a lidded garbage can will reduce the smell and moisture that attracts ants in the first place.
Another useful tip is to avoid putting food waste in your garbage can unless it is properly wrapped. This will help to reduce the odor and make your garbage less attractive to ants and other pests.
2. Regular Garbage Can Cleaning
Another way to reduce ant activity in and around your garbage can is to keep it clean. Regularly washing your can with hot soapy water can remove food residues and other debris that attract ants.
Make sure to wipe down the lid and any handles as well. It is also a good idea to rinse out your garbage bags before putting them in the can, as this can help to remove any remaining food particles that might attract ants.
3. Scheduling Trash Pick-up
Finally, scheduling regular trash pick-up can help keep ant populations under control. The longer trash sits outside, the more time ants have to find it and build their nests nearby.
Check with your local waste management facility to determine the best trash pick-up schedule for your area. If you have a large amount of garbage that needs to be disposed of, consider renting a dumpster or hiring a professional junk removal service to take care of it for you.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your garbage can clean and free from pests like ants. Proper garbage disposal is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for you and your family.
3. Utilize Natural Ant Deterrents
Ants can be a pesky problem, especially when they invade your garbage can. Luckily, there are several natural ant deterrents that you can use to keep them away. Here are 3 options!
1. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus have natural ant-repellent properties. In addition to using them in insect repellent sprays, you can also use them to deter ants from your garbage can.
Simply mix a few drops of oil with water and spray it around the can. The scent of the oil will help keep ants away without harming them or leaving harmful chemical residues behind.
Peppermint oil is particularly effective because ants are repelled by its strong scent. Tea tree oil and citrus oils like lemon and orange oil also work well because they contain compounds that are toxic to ants.
2. Try Vinegar and Lemon Solutions
If you don't have essential oils on hand, you can also use vinegar and lemon juice to deter ants. Mixing equal parts vinegar and water or lemon juice and water and spraying it around your garbage can can be an effective ant deterrent.
Both vinegar and lemon juice have acidic properties that ants dislike, and the strong scent of these liquids can help keep them away. Just be careful not to use too much vinegar, as the scent can be overpowering and attract different pests.
3. Don’t Underestimate Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from crushed fossilized algae. When ants come into contact with it, the powder dries out their exoskeletons and ultimately kills them.
Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your garbage can can prevent ants from crawling inside. While diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets to handle, it should be used with caution.
Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling the powder, as it can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. Additionally, make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as other types may contain harmful chemicals.
By using these natural ant deterrents, you can keep your garbage can free from pesky ants without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides. However, they may be needed. So let’s get into a few of the chemical ant control methods.
4. Apply Chemical Ant Control Methods
If you ever get to the point of needing chemical treatment for an ant problem, the best thing to know is what is available out there and what will suit your needs. Let’s get into the 4 main types of chemical ant control methods.
1. Ant Baits and Traps
Ant baits and traps are a common and effective way to control ant populations. These products contain slow-acting poison that ants carry back to the nest, ultimately killing the entire colony.
Place baits and traps around your garbage can and other areas where ants are active. This will get rid of your problem within a few weeks.
2. Insecticides and Sprays
Insecticides and sprays like pyrethrin are powerful chemicals that can eliminate ant populations quickly. However, they should be used with caution, as they can be harmful to other insects and animals as well. If you choose to use insecticides, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Safety Precautions for Chemical Use
When using any type of chemical pesticide, it's important to take safety precautions to protect yourself and others. This may include wearing protective clothing, gloves, and goggles, and keeping the area well-ventilated.
Warning: Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the product label, and contact a professional exterminator if you're unsure about the best course of action!Keeping ants out of your outside garbage can may seem like a never-ending battle, but with the right techniques and tools, it's possible to get those pesky pests under control.