Ants. You can’t tell where they came from. But they’re here in the dog food again, and you’re tired of dealing with them.
They’re a pest that plagues many pet owners.
How do you keep ants away from the dog food, you ask? Also, why are ants attracted to dog food in the first place? We’re here to answer these questions and provide some tips on how best to beat ants for good.
Why Do Ants Like Dog Food?
Ants have a keen sense of smell, enabling them to detect the potent odors of pet food, which signal a rich source of proteins and fats essential for their survival. Some dog food has a sweetness that is especially attractive to ants.
Many owners store their dog food out in the open, so it’s an easy and convenient find for diligent ants constantly looking for new food sources. Once ants find the dog food, they leave behind a scent trail, a chemical signal to their colony that a feast awaits, leading to a well-trodden path straight to your pet’s food bowl.
The Importance of Keeping Ants Out of Dog Food
Keeping ants out of your dog’s food is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and food quality.
Aside from the obvious presence of ants, you can tell ants are in the dog food if your pet seems disinterested in eating from the usual bowl or feeding place or if you sense discomfort in your dog while eating.
While eating ants themselves probably won’t harm your dog, there is a risk that those ants will bring bacteria that is foreign to dogs and can decrease their health over an extended period. If left unchecked, these tiny invaders can ruin your dog’s food, leading to waste. This leaves your dogs hungry and looking for other food sources.
How to Keep Ants Out of Dog Food
Establishing an ant-proof feeding area is critical to ensure your furry friends enjoy their meals without the unwelcome company of ants. Here are some potential solutions:
- Natural deterrent substances. Placing a thin line of petroleum jelly around the bottom edge of your pet’s food storage bin and bowl can be effective, as the slick texture of petroleum jelly is something ants prefer to avoid. Peppermint oil can also be effective, as the scent is particularly strong and offensive to ants. To do this, apply peppermint oil to cotton balls and distribute them around the feeding area. Bonus: this also leaves a pleasant scent for you and your pet.
- Proper storage and hygiene. Store your dog’s kibble in airtight containers – this shields the scent and denies ants access. Always keep the food dish clean; a simple rinse isn’t enough. Regularly wash the bowl with warm water and soap to remove any tempting residue. Clean your floors and feeding spaces often to wipe away any scent trail with water and vinegar.
- Focus on the bowl. Some bowls are designed to keep insects out without additional protection, like water moats. These often feature a raised design, making it harder for ants to climb into the food. For those who prefer traditional bowls, consider placing your pet’s bowls in shallow water pans. This simple water barrier deters ants, which tend to avoid swimming.
- Focus on the feeding area. Sometimes, the simplest solution to prevent ants from reaching your dog’s food is to relocate the bowls. Place pet bowls away from walls and any ant trails. Elevating the bowls by placing them on a higher surface or using a raised pet food holder can make a significant difference in keeping ants at bay. By moving your pet’s bowls to less accessible areas, you reduce the risk of ant infestations.
- Chemical solutions. It’s worth considering using chemical solutions as a means of ant prevention. Ant baits and traps are particularly effective, as they are designed to attract ants that carry the bait back to their nest. This method targets the entire colony, including the queen, leading to a more permanent solution to the ant problem. It’s crucial to be mindful of your pet’s health. Exercise caution as some solutions can be harmful.
- Professional pest control. When ant infestations are severe, seeking assistance from a professional pest control company becomes essential. These experts can treat the home’s perimeter with specialized methods to swiftly address the active ant problem. They create reliable barriers that can prevent future incursions.
Final Thoughts on How to Keep Ants Out of Dog Food
Keeping ants out of your dog’s food ensures their health and well-being. You may need to use a combination of these tips we’ve provided, but always prioritize your pet’s safety. If the ant infestation is severe, seeking professional pest control assistance may be the best option.
By taking these preventive measures and being vigilant, you can protect your dog’s food from ants and create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend.
Remember, a happy and healthy dog starts with nutritious and ant-free dog food. Happy dog, happy life!