Seeing trails of tiny ants crawling across your kitchen floor is a cause for concern. Ants are annoying, and left unchecked, they can contaminate your food supplies and overrun your home. Here’s what you need to know about fighting back with ant control and preventing future ant invasions.
What Causes Ant Infestation?
Ants may be tiny, but they have a knack for finding their way into our homes! These incredibly organized critters live in huge colonies, sometimes with thousands of members. They’re always working hard to keep their colony growing, which means scouting locations for their next big feast and a cozy place to build their nest. Here’s why your house might look like ant paradise:
The Kitchen All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Sweet and sticky spills? Check!
Crumbs fallen between the couch cushions? You bet!
A half-empty bowl of dog food? Jackpot!
To an ant, your kitchen is a land of plenty. Those little drips and drops that we sometimes forget about are like an endless feast for a whole ant colony.
Inside the Walls
Tiny cracks in the foundation? Welcome mat for ants!
Spaces behind baseboards? Ideal for an ant city!
Damp spots under the sink? Ant mansion!
Ants love a sheltered and safe place to build their home. Sometimes they even set up shop within the walls of our houses, making it hard to get rid of them.
Signs of Ant Infestation
While spotting a line of ants is a sure sign something’s up, there are more subtle clues that those pesky ants have moved in. Keep an eye out for:
Ant Highways
Ants don’t wander around randomly. Watch where they’re traveling; their trails often lead right to their entry point into your home. This could be a crack near your baseboards, a gap around a window, or a hole in the foundation.
Tiny Construction Dust
Carpenter ants love to chew through wood. If you see small piles of sawdust-like material near walls, baseboards, or window frames, it’s a major warning sign.
Flying Ants Indoors
Winged ants, known as swarmers, aren’t just a sign of spring. They mean a mature colony is established and is likely branching out – sometimes right inside your walls!
Food Sources
Notice ants swarming over a fallen crumb or a bit of spilled juice? They might be testing out your kitchen as their next food court.
Damp Areas
Some ants are attracted to moisture. Finding them around leaky faucets or damp basements could be trouble.
Remember, not all ants are alike! Some species are harmless, while others, like fire ants, can cause damage and pain if encountered. If you’re unsure, consider taking a photo or collecting a sample to help a pest specialist identify them.
How to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation With Willis Exterminating
Addressing an ant infestation requires a multi-pronged approach, and our team has the experience and equipment to sniff out and exterminate ant infestations through our pest control expert’s tried and true processes.
1. Find the Nest
This is the key to eradicating the problem. We follow ant trails to locate their nest. Ant nests are often outdoors, but they may also be inside your home. We know the signs, and can quickly sus out the problem.
2. Disrupt the Trail
Getting rid of any highways is a great start to getting rid of your ants. We’ll wipe out visible ant trails, disrupting the pheromone scent trails that lead ants home.
3. Bait the Ants
We use high-quality ant bait stations, which lure ants to a slow-acting poison that they carry back to the nest, eventually killing the colony.
4. Seal Entry Points
Finally, we go through your home and use caulk or sealant to close cracks and gaps ants are using as entry points.
When to Call an Ant Pest Control Professional
If DIY control methods fail, or if the infestation is large or difficult to access, a professional pest control company is your best bet. Pest exterminators can:
- Identify Ant Species: This is crucial for choosing the appropriate pest control methods.
- Locate the Nest: Professionals have the expertise to find even hidden nests.
- Use Targeted Treatments: Depending on the ant species and the severity of the infestation, pest control specialists will use targeted sprays, gels or baits.
How To Stop Ant Infestation
Getting rid of an ant colony is great, but the key is making sure they don’t come back! Here’s how to make your home less ant-friendly:
Cleanliness
Ants are expert scavengers. Keep kitchen surfaces spotless, sweep floors frequently, and clean your pantry shelves regularly. Even the tiniest crumbs or spills can attract a scout ant.
Seal It Off
Airtight containers are a must! This goes for sugar, flour, cereal, snacks, and even pet food. Don’t give ants a reason to stick around.
Stop the Leaks
Ants love moisture. Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and any spots with water damage. Reduce humidity in damp areas of your home with a dehumidifier if needed.
Cut Off the Bridges
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back so they don’t touch your house. This removes easy “highways” for ants to get inside.
Caulk the Cracks
Seal up small gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and your foundation with caulk. This blocks off many common ant entry points.
Inspect Incoming Items
Check potted plants, firewood, or boxes brought in from outdoors. Sometimes ant hitchhikers tag along!
Natural Deterrents
Some people swear by sprinkling cinnamon, white vinegar, or diatomaceous earth in areas where ants have been seen to try and discourage them.
Remember, it’s all about consistency! Stay vigilant with these preventative measures, and you’ll greatly reduce the chances of those pesky ants returning.
Willis Exterminating | Your Ant Control Experts
Ant invasions can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner. However, by understanding their behavior, employing control measures and addressing the problem’s source, you can win this battle. If your infestation persists, it’s best to enlist trained professionals who understand pest control for ants.
Need help combating those pesky ants? Contact Willis Exterminating for our ant control services! Our expert technicians will eliminate your ant problems and give you peace of mind. Schedule your free inspection today!