ANTS
There is nothing sweet about these pests.
Ants are pretty social and hardworking little bugs. They often show up in our homes on a mission for food and water. Dealing with these tiny intruders is one of the top reasons people call in pest control. The usual suspects in households are odorous house ants also referred to as sugar ants.
ODOROUS HOUSE ANT
Identification
Black or Dark Brown
Hidden petiole
Move quickly in lines
Emit rotten coconut or blue cheese smell
1/16 to 1/8 inch long
HABITS
Likely to enter during rain
Nest anywhere
Mobile and relocate quickly
in response to weather or disturbance
Forage for food day or night
Attracted to honeydew secreted from aphids outdoors
Attracted to sweets, meats, and pet food indoors. Kitchens and Pantries are prime targets.
Elimination
A pest control professional is often needed to provide long-term control. Believe it or not, ants can be picky in the foods they choose. Depending on what the colony needs, foraging ants may have a preference for sweet or protein-based food. This is the primary reason over-the-counter baits fail.
It is best to use a non-repellent insecticide applied by a pest professional. This means it cannot be detected by foraging ants. Once the ants come in contact with the insecticide, it will spread through the colony like a virus, providing complete elimination.
INSPECTION
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Conduct a thorough inspection to identify the ant species, their behavior, preferred diet, and nesting sites, and locate the source of the problem (moisture or food).
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Use this information for targeted treatment.
EDUCATION
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After inspection, the technician educates on preventative measures.
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Remove potential food sources, keep surfaces clean, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean spills.
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Address outdoor attractions like moisture sources to prevent future ant issues.
TREATMENT
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Strategically place ant baits in high-traffic areas, attracting foragers who carry the bait back to the nest.
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Place baits outdoors along ant trails to draw the colony outside quickly.
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Apply non-repellent insecticides around the home's foundation, ant trails, and nesting sites to expedite elimination.
CONTINUOUS MONITORING
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After eliminating the problem, stay on a preventive maintenance plan.
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The technician regularly monitors and reapplies treatments to prevent re-infestation.
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Follow-up inspections ensure the long-term success of pest control, maintaining a pest-free home.
TIPS
Keep your sink free of dirty dishes.
Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
Keep your trash sealed and take it out regularly.
Caulk to seal gaps, cracks, and holes in exterior walls to keep ants from getting inside your home.
Minimize moisture in and around your home. This includes installing gutter downspouts and preventing crawlspace moisture.
DIY EFFORTS JUST NOT GIVING YOU THE RESULTS YOU HOPED FOR?
Remember, each ant infestation is unique, and a customized approach is necessary for professional elimination. Our team is equipped to implement a comprehensive strategy to finally liberate your home from pests! Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 270-564-8077.
