Ever wonder how to keep ants out of cat food? Keeping ants away from your cat’s food is crucial to maintain your pet’s health. It’s a common issue many pet owners face, especially during the summer when ants are most active.
Read on to safeguard your cat’s meals effectively.
Key Takeaways
- An ant-proof cat food bowl with a barrier or raised edges can keep ants away from your pet’s food.
- Creating a water moat under your cat’s food dish is an easy and effective way to block ants.
- To help prevent ants, storing cat food in airtight containers and cleaning up spills immediately can help.
- For severe ant infestations that can’t be controlled through DIY methods, contacting a pest control service ensures professional help.
1. Use an Ant-Proof Cat Food Bowl
An ant-proof cat food bowl can be a game-changer. These bowls often have a moat or a barrier that prevents ants from reaching the dry or wet food.
The design usually includes raised edges and slippery surfaces, making climbing difficult for ants. Investing in one of these can save you a lot of hassle.
2. Create a Water Moat Around the Cat’s Food Dish
Creating a water moat around your cat’s food dish is simple and effective. Place a larger, shallow dish filled with water underneath the pet’s food bowl.
The water acts as a barrier that ants can’t easily cross. This setup can work exceptionally well if you have a black ant problem. Just ensure that when you put water, it stays clean.
3. Clean up Food Spills Immediately
Spilled food can quickly attract ants and lead to an infestation. Use a damp cloth to wipe the area around the feeding bowl.
Pay special attention to the edges and corners where food might get trapped. Regularly disinfect the feeding area to remove ant scent trails that ants might follow.
4. Use a Pet Feeding Mat With an Ant-Repellent Coating
Pet feeding mats with an ant-repellent coating are another excellent option. These mats are often treated with non-toxic repellents that deter ants.
They are usually easy to clean and come in various sizes and designs. Some products even have raised edges to catch spilled food, simplifying cleanup.
5. Apply Petroleum Jelly or Vaseline Around the Food Bowl
A quick and simple way to prevent ants from climbing up to your cat’s food is by applying petroleum jelly or Vaseline around the outer rim of the food dish.
Ensure your pet doesn’t come into contact with it. The slippery surface can make it hard for ants to navigate, providing an effective barrier.
6. Store Cat Food in Airtight Containers
Storing cat food in airtight plastic containers is vital to preventing ant infestation. Ants can easily infiltrate loosely sealed bags.
To store dry food, use plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers can maintain the food’s freshness and prevent ants from accessing it.
As a cat owner, I’m always aware of the risk of attracting ants with cat food. To keep ants away, I use a plastic Rubbermaid container used for grain storage and keep it in an elevated cabinet.
This way, the food stays fresh and no critters can sneak inside. It’s a win-win!
— Elise Caldwell, Senior Content Marketing Manager
7. Elevate the Cat’s Food Dish on a Smooth, Slippery Surface
Elevating the cat’s food dish on a smooth, slippery surface can also be effective. This technique makes it challenging for ants to reach the food, offering another layer of protection. Use supports like small stands or trays that lift the food and water bowl slightly off the ground.
HOW TO GET RID AND PREVENT ANT INFESTATIONS
Keeping your home ant-free requires a combination of indoor and outdoor strategies. Here are effective methods for preventing these persistent critters from invading your space.
Indoor Strategies to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
Inside the home, cleanliness plays a key role in keeping ants away. Here’s what you can do to keep your home pest-free:
- Seal Indoor Entry Points: Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Disrupt Pheromone: Clean areas with household items like vinegar to remove ant trails.
- Store Food Properly: Whether it’s cat or dog food, store it in airtight containers to prevent access.
- Use Natural Remedies: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth or baking soda in areas where ants are spotted.
- Apply Essential Oils: Apply lavender or peppermint oil near entry points, but ensure it’s in areas your cat cannot access, as they can be harmful.
WHAT TO DO IF THE ANTS WON’T LEAVE
Even with preventative steps, ants may still invade. If this happens despite your best efforts, don’t panic. If they persist despite your best efforts, professional pest control services can provide thorough and effective solutions, giving you peace of mind.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s ant control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about our services, visit our service page.