They are not harmless: ants in the home can bring many diseases

Ants in the home are not harmless and can transmit several diseases that affect human health . These insects can carry bacteria and other pathogens by coming into contact with garbage, rotten food, or fecal matter, and then contaminate food and surfaces in the home. What diseases can they cause, and how can they be prevented?

Whether due to a lack of knowledge about their health risks, their small and even friendly size, or the mistaken belief that they don't bite, ants often go unnoticed and are not considered a risk factor.

According to "Hamelin Biosecurity," this is not the case, and these insects can cause various health consequences and risks. These include:

Salmonellosis: Caused by the Salmonella bacteria, it can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Ants can carry this bacteria by walking on contaminated food or utensils.

▪️E. coli infections:

Similar to salmonellosis, this bacteria can cause stomach infections transmitted through food contaminated by ants.

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▪️Staphylococcus infections: This bacteria can cause infections in different parts of the body, with symptoms including high fever, vomiting, and a rash that may look like sunburn.

▪️Clostridium infections:

It can cause serious intestinal conditions such as prolonged diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and fever, and in severe cases may require hospitalization.

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How can you prevent the arrival of ants?

To prevent ants from entering your home, Raid recommends following several key measures: ▪️Keep things clean: Sweep the floor daily, especially in the kitchen and dining room, to remove crumbs, food scraps, and spilled liquids that attract ants.

▪️Store food in airtight containers:

This prevents ants from having access to exposed food that attracts them.

▪️Close entry points:

Seal cracks, fissures, and holes in walls, windows, doors, and floors with silicone or plaster to prevent ants from entering.

▪️Wash dishes and don't leave pet food out:

Do not leave dirty dishes or food scraps accessible to ants.

▪️Use natural repellents:

Spread substances that repel ants, such as vinegar mixed with water, lemon juice, chalk, talcum powder, baking soda with sugar, corn flour, citrus peels, garlic, mint, bay leaves.