Keep flies away from garbage or other things that are close to the kitchen or food preparation area. Some types of ants are drawn to sweet foods, while others prefer greasy foods. Control ants by immediately cleaning up all food scraps and spills, storing food in sealed containers, keeping fruit in the refrigerator, washing dirty dishes and keeping countertops clean. It may be necessary to caulk around windows and doors, provide adequate screening, and reduce outdoor sites where ants have colonies. For information on the use of toxic baits and sprays to control ants, request HGIC 2400, Indoor Ant Control .
Rodents eat and ruin food, damage property and spread disease.
If you have a problem with rats or mice, eliminate their source of food and use traps to control them. Do not leave baits out for extended periods, and immediately discard dead rodents. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Prepared by Kevin Hathorne, Patricia A. Zungoli and Eric P. Benson, 1999. Florida Agricultural Information Retrieval System.