Ant Exterminators – Control – Removal

Like humans, ants need shelter, food, and water to survive. Constantly foraging for food, ants will be attracted to protein, sweet and greasy substances, and moisture. Scout ants leave a scent trail to alert the rest of the colony that they have located a food source in your home. Pet food, sugary spills and grease around stoves are attractive to ants. Excess moisture in sinks and around plumbing fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms can attract an infestation.

Although all ants have the ability to bite or sting, the severity of their bites depends on the species. Many pest ants that invade homes, such as Argentine ants (also known as “sugar ants”) and odorous house ants, will bite if provoked, but bites are mild and do not pose any health risks. More aggressive species, like fire ants and harvester ants deliver intense stings with possible allergic reactions in people and animals.

Ants typically nest outside in underground nests. When the weather changes, ants seek food, water, and shelter and will enter homes if they have access. Cracks in the foundation, gaps in exterior walls, dryer vents, and gaps underneath doors allow ants to enter. Ants also get into homes through damaged window screens and gaps around windows and doors, sneaking in underneath garage and exterior doors.

At certain times of the year, ants swarm to mate, and your home may be infested by flying ants. These ants are called ‘reproductives” and they possess wings. When a colony is growing, the reproductives come out of the colony to mate. Often confused with termites, flying ants have thinner waists and shorter wings. If you spot flying ants in the home during the colder months, it’s an indication that ants are living within the structure. 

Although ants build underground nests outdoors, some ants will nest indoors in protective spaces of homes. During colder weather, Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants will nest in walls and undisturbed areas of homes. They are attracted to the warmth of your home, and once inside your warm walls, can chew through and damage electrical wiring causing a potential fire hazard.

Ants cannot spread disease from their bites, however, they do harbor and transfer pathogens and disease-producing organisms as they forage for food. Ants carry and can spread bacteria, including Salmonella. Kitchens and bathrooms are favorite locations for ants. As ants forage in bathrooms, they pick up germs and organisms near toilet and sink areas, transferring them to food prep areas and utensils and prep in kitchens.

Ants live outside and come inside in search of food and water. A regularly scheduled pest control service will eliminate ant nests outdoors, and slow down any activity inside your home. To deter ants, seal entry points with a silicone-based caulk and spray undiluted vinegar along any trails that you find. Repair leaky plumbing and eliminate food sources by storing foods in containers, cleaning floors, and sanitizing all surfaces.

To keep ants out of your home, inspect the exterior and block off entry points for ants by sealing all cracks and crevices with a silicone-based caulk and apply weatherstripping around doors and window frames. Reduce excess moisture or standing water and repair any leaky pipes or faucets. Mop up spills, sweep up any food crumbs from under your kitchen appliances and store food in airtight containers wherever possible. Learn more >>