Ants Control

Ants are common pests found wandering around our yards, gardens, driveways, walkways, and – at times – inside our homes and businesses. Ants are social creatures, working together in large groups. If ants are living in or around your property, the infestation can be vast and difficult to control. Ants are a type of insect and have three distinct body regions (head, thorax, and abdomen), six legs, and a pair of antennae. The reproductive members, which are the queens and males, are the only members of an ant colony that have wings.

There are more than 10,000 species of ants living across the world. Most species we come across in the United States are nuisance pests. While annoying to deal with and hard to control, they don’t bite or sting, spread significant diseases, or damage the structures of homes or businesses. Still, there are some ants that property owners in our area need to be aware of such as carpenter ants and fire ants. Carpenter ants are a problem because of the damage they cause by tunneling through and nesting inside the structural wood found in our properties. Fire ants pose risks to both people and property. These ants are aggressive and deliver painful, venom-filled stings that, just like bee stings, can trigger severe allergic reactions. They also invade and damage farm equipment, along with air-conditioning and heating units.

To keep ants from becoming a problem on your property, it’s important to take away their easy access to food, water, and shelter. Eliminate water sources by making sure gutters and downspouts don’t become clogged, fix dripping hoses and outdoor fixtures, and repair leaky pipes. Limit their access to food by placing tight-fitting lids on all outdoor trash cans and compost bins. Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables in garden areas and uneaten pet food between feedings. Make sure that outdoor eating areas are free of food debris. To stop ants from nesting on your property, remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other debris from your property. Seal up any cracks or openings in the exteriors walls, foundation, or roof line of your home. Place mesh covers over vents and seal the spaces around wires, pipes, and other utilities entering your property.