Ants have a way of finding their way to food, especially food that is left unattended in pet food bowls. Today, we’re sharing our top 5 ways to keep ants out of your pet’s food bowl.
1. Stick to a Feeding Routine
Feeding routines and set mealtimes encourage pets to eat as soon as their food is presented. Set meal times also benefit pets’ health and food quality. Pets that are fed twice a day are said to consume fewer calories than those that graze all day. Because grazers may eat when bored or anxious, they often consume more food than they would if being served specific portions.
Feeding routines also reduce the likelihood that your pet will ingest harmful bacteria because they are eating fresher food. Because they are looking forward to their feeding and are likely hungry, pets feed at specific mealtimes tend to finish their meals quicker, better meeting food safety guidelines.
2. Use an Ant-Proof Pet Food Bowl or Product
Some pet food bowls are specifically designed to deter ants and other critters. These pet food bowls usually have a deep, wide water moat around the feeding areas, which makes it hard for ants to reach. Similarly, BugSnub makes a food-grade gel that creates a perimeter around the bowls. The non-toxic mineral oil based gel gets excellent reviews on Amazon. Using a product like this allows you to continue to use your favorite pet food bowls while still addressing your ant issue.
3. Raise Your Pet’s Feeding Surface
Make it harder for ants to reach pet food bowls by raising them off the ground. BugSnub, for example, makes a variety of raised pet bowls and pet food trays that are specifically designed to keep ants away. There are many raised pet food holders on the market that may help keep ants out of the food because the bowls are held above the ground. Many of these bowls are said to be healthier and are more comfortable for seniors with arthritis and mobility issues. Feeding your cat on a cat tree or raised surface may also keep ants at bay.
Note: Whatever deterrent product you choose, check reviews, research the materials, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid products with added antibacterial compounds because these additives are inevitably ingested and may affect your pets’ gut health.
4. Properly Clean & Maintain Your Pet’s Feeding Area
In addition to using specialty products, keeping your home clean will also keep ants from invading your pet’s feeding space. Ants follow the scent of food, therefore, sweeping floors after meals, wiping down counters, and washing pet food bowls after meals will help. Keeping food in air tight containers and avoiding pile-ups of dirty dishes are additional small efforts that go a long way in the pursuit of keeping ants out of the home.
As a reminder, ants are attracted to water, therefore, avoid stagnant water in and around the home, especially during droughts.
5. Deter Ants from Your Entire Home
Even the most diligent cleaning and best specialty products won’t resolve your ant issue if you have an active infestation. In these cases, hire a professional to treat the perimeter of your home. A pest control company will address the infestation and create a reliable barrier to prevent future infestations.
For a DIY option, try a homemade peppermint oil spray. Peppermint oil is helpful because ants dislike the smell. It also masks the smell of other, desirable foods in your home. Peppermint oil may even act as a insecticide because it’s an irritant to many insects’ respiratory systems, including ants’.
Ants are part of nature and will always be around. That doesn’t mean they have to take up residence in and around your home. By setting feeding routines, preventing ants from coming into your home, and investing in pet-safe ant-repellent products you can keep your pet’s bowls ant-free.
As professional pet sitters, our job is to care for your home while we’re caring for your pet. During visits, we look out for concerning or bothersome pests. We will inform you if we notice them and will work with you to ensure that your pet is comfortable at home. By enjoying targeted pet care visits, regular mealtimes, clean bowls and dishes, and receiving the best possible care whether you’re at work or traveling, your pet and home are always in good hands with us.
At Animal Admiration, we offer pet sitting and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. To learn more about our team and our services, contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015.
Recent Comments