Pet & Child Friendly ways to keep pests (including ants) out of your home

Keeping your home free from pests is important—but when you have children or pets, it’s natural to be cautious about how you deal with them. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen, insects around skirting boards, or pests coming in from the garden, the goal is the same: keep your home protected while keeping it safe.

The good news is that effective pest control doesn’t need to be complicated or risky. With the right approach, you can prevent and manage pests in a way that works for the whole household.

Start With Prevention

The safest and most effective way to deal with pests is to stop them getting in at all. Most insects, including ants, only need very small entry points.

Focus on:

Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and pipework

Repairing cracks in walls, floors, and skirting boards

Installing door brushes or draft excluders

Checking air bricks and vents are properly covered

By reducing access points, you dramatically lower the chance of pests entering your home in the first place.

Keep Food Sources Under Control

Pests like ants are usually driven by one thing: food.

Simple habits make a big difference:

Wipe down kitchen surfaces regularly

Clean up crumbs and spills straight away (especially sugary ones)

Store food in sealed containers

Avoid leaving pet food out overnight

Empty bins regularly and keep them sealed

Even small residues can leave scent trails that attract ants and other insects back again and again.

Dealing With Ants Safely

Ants are one of the most common household pests in the UK, especially in warmer months. Once they find a food source, they often leave a trail for others to follow.

To help manage them safely:

Clean surfaces thoroughly to remove scent trails

Track where ants are entering the home

Seal entry points where possible

Focus any treatment only on affected areas, rather than treating large sections of your home

Targeted control is key here- dealing with the problem where it starts rather than spreading treatment unnecessarily around the house.

Natural Deterrents (Use With Care)

Some households prefer to try low-risk or natural deterrents first. These can include:

Vinegar-based cleaning solutions

Citrus scents around entry points

Mint or peppermint oils in small amounts

Physical barriers like copper tape for crawling insects outdoors

While these can help in some cases, they’re not always a complete solution. It’s also important to note that some essential oils may not be suitable for pets, particularly cats, so always use caution and ensure good ventilation.

Use Targeted Pest Control When Needed

When pests persist, carefully selected treatments can be used safely in a family home—provided they are applied correctly.

Key principles:

Apply only where pests are active or entering

Avoid widespread spraying across living areas

Keep children and pets away during application

Allow treated areas to dry fully before re-entry

Always follow product instructions carefully

For crawling insects like ants, targeted treatments applied along entry routes and problem areas can help break the cycle effectively while keeping exposure to a minimum.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Prevention

Pests often originate outside before making their way indoors.

To reduce risk:

Keep gardens tidy and free from debris

Avoid letting plants grow directly against exterior walls

Remove standing water where insects may breed

Check for ant nests near the home’s foundations

Controlling the outdoor environment helps reduce indoor problems before they start.

When to Take Further Action

Sometimes, despite good prevention, infestations can persist or return.

In these cases:

Use products specifically designed for household pest control

Stick to targeted applications rather than broad treatment

Consider professional advice if the problem continues

The goal is always to resolve the issue effectively while keeping your home safe and comfortable.

Quick Checklist: Family-Friendly Pest Prevention

Seal gaps and entry points

Keep food stored securely

Clean regularly to remove attractants

Monitor and block ant entry routes

Use targeted treatments only when needed

Keep all products out of reach of children and pets

Follow instructions carefully

A Safer Way to Stay Pest-Free

Keeping pests out of your home doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety. With a combination of prevention, good housekeeping, and careful use of targeted treatments, you can stay in control while protecting your household.