Ant Control
Ants are one of the most common types of bugs on the planet. In fact, there are 1.5 million ants for every one human. As social insects, they form large colonies and can quickly become a nuisance if they locate food in your home or office. A single scout who happens upon some spilled soda or a discarded bag of chips will communicate this to the rest of the colony and before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a full-scale invasion. That’s why it’s essential to squash any infestations early. Once they move in, ants can be hard to get out.
In Connecticut, there are four species of ants that you’ll typically come across: pavements ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants.
Are ants dangerous?
For the most part, ants are more annoying than dangerous. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to buildings, especially carpenter ants who like to burrow through wood. However, these insects are also known to carry diseases. The pharaoh ant in particular can spread pathogens that cause salmonella and Streptococcus. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly clean surfaces and throw out any food that may have been contaminated.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Most invasions begin because the ants have discovered a food source. An open trash can, dirty pet bowl, or spilled juice are all tempting feasts for these critters. Ants are omnivores and will eat nearly anything. They won’t hesitate to take advantage of our laziness, swarming over those dishes we left in the sink for too long.
Once they’ve found food, scout ants will lay down a pheromone trail, alerting other colony members and directing them to their objective. This is why you often see ants traveling in long lines.
Where will I find ants?
Nest locations vary depending on the species. Carpenter ants, for example, are typically found burrowing into trees, wooden decks, or inside walls and flooring. Other types prefer damp soil like the kind found in gardens or flower beds. Every species is also known to build their nests indoors where they’re protected from harsh weather conditions.
How can I prevent an ant infestation?
- Keep your home clean: Make sure your kitchen and other areas are free of crumbs or spills. If there’s nothing to lure ants inside, they will search for food elsewhere.
- Seal entry points: Ants can enter your home through tiny gaps such as windows, doors, and foundation cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close these off.
- Use natural repellents: Ants don’t like certain odors such as peppermint and cinnamon. Planting these herbs around your garden or home will deter them from establishing a nest.
- Repair damage to your home: Fix water-damaged wood, leaky pipes, weather striping, and other areas where moister might gather. Ants need water to survive and will seek it out the same as food.
How do I get rid of ants?
If you frequently find scouts poking around your kitchen or the corners of your home, bait traps or ant repellents may be enough to do the trick. However, if you’re under a full-scale assault, then you need to contact the experts at Northeast Exterminating. Our trained professionals are equipped with the latest technology to combat infestations of any size. We understand the importance of keeping your home or business free of pests and are committed to delivering exceptional service.
We are experts in the field of pest control and stake our reputation on professional service. All pests are not equal in the sense that they all require a special means of control, and select pesticide to be applied. A member of our team will discuss with you the best possible solution for your specific problem to ensure you get the optimum result quickly.
1-203-468-2847