Few experiences are more stressful than coming home to an army of ants on your counters, tables, and cabinets. Not only are these insects unsightly, but they can cause structural damage and feed on your delicious pantry items while creating a nuisance for you and your family. To safeguard both your home and your peace of mind, you have to get rid of any pests in your home and prevent others from entering. To keep your home free of ants for the long haul, start by asking the following questions:
Where Are The Ants Coming From?
Before you can stop an infestation, you must contain it, which means determining how these pests are entering your home. You should identify the main points of entry that the insects are using. It is often possible to do this by following the ants’ trails back to their colony. You should also inspect the perimeter of your home for cracks and openings; no matter how small they are, ants can use them to get in. Once you’ve identified all current or potential points of entry, seal them off. This will prevent the current nest infestation from expanding further, making it easier to put a stop to it.
Do I Need To Identify The Ants?
Each type of ant has distinct feeding habits, habitats, and other characteristics that affect your ability to detect and eliminate it. It is essential that you identify the specific species that has infested your home for best ant control treatment. The most common ants include:
• Carpenter Ants- One of the largest ant species, these insects grow up to 13 millimeters in length. They range from black to red to yellow and make their home in decayed or moist wood. You should be especially vigilant about carpenter ants if you live in a forested area.
• Odorous House Ants- With lengths between 2.4 and 3.3 millimeters, these ants are a common household nuisance and emit a unique smell when crushed. They are black or dark brown.
• Pavement Ants- Ranging from light brown to black, these 3-millimeter ants have parallel lines running from their heads to their thoraxes and are found near sidewalks or other paved areas.
Once you’ve identified the species of ant, you can move on to clearing your home.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Ants?
The most effective way to remove an ant colony is through a combination of prevention and extermination. Prevention involves cutting off the ants’ food supply, notably by keeping your tables and counters clear of all crumbs and liquids. You should also seal any food in your cabinets in airtight containers, and store as much as possible in your fridge or freezer. Not only do these steps prevent more ants from invading your home, but they starve out those that are already inside, making them more likely to leave or die.
In addition to cutting off the ants’ food supply, it is often necessary to actively exterminate ants. The specific pesticides you need will vary based on the type of ants and the layout of your home, but you should always turn to a professional pest control expert to choose and supply them. Give the exterminator as much information as possible; the more they know about the infestation, the more swiftly and safely they can put a stop to it.
Does DIY Ant Control Work?
For relatively minor infestations, you can use over-the-counter products to get rid of the ants on your own. When these pests have embedded themselves into tight spaces or deep within the structure of your home, however, it’s unlikely that you can reach them all without professional equipment. Using over-the-counter household products can also be problematic causing the ants to spread further into your home. For all but the smallest infestations, you should turn to professional ant control services.
If your pest control methods aren't working or you aren't sure what to do, give the Senske team a call at (877) 944-4007. We provide free estimates and rapid, reliable results.
