There are many ways an ant problem can be difficult. You may purchase an ant control product that doesn't work. That's frustrating. It is even more frustrating if you purchase a product that works too well. Some ant colonies have multiple queens, and improper treatments can result in budding. If you're not familiar with this term, budding is a process by which one colony splits into two or more colonies. This is bad.
But ant control can be difficult even when you do everything right. Ants can act in surprising ways. You can turn an outdoor irritation into an indoor nightmare. You can think you've solved your problem only to find out months later that those ants were continuing to make you sick or damage your property. Today, we hope to arm you with some information to help you with ant control in your house and on your property. If you need immediate assistance, feel free to reach out to us through our contact page to schedule service.
Signs Of An Ant Infestation
Ant problems are often not hard to see. In fact, ants are the most common pests that drive residents to seek out Baldwin County pest control. They can be super annoying. But some ant problems can sneak up on you. Ants can start to bring dirt into a wall void and create an indoor nest. It is better to catch these ants sooner than later. Inspect the exterior of your home and look for ant mounds near gaps around utilities and other potential entry points. Look for dirt leaking out of gaps and cracks and consider ant activity. If you see ants crawling up your wall in a lock-step formation, that is not a good sign.
The most important ants to be on the lookout for are called carpenter ants. The worst in this group of ants is the black carpenter ant. If you have black carpenter ants in your home, they can damage your property in a secretive way. You need to look for the frass they produce. Frass is a mixture of wood shavings, insect parts, and droppings. It may be found in areas of high humidity, shade, and seclusion.
FAQ: What To Expect From Professional Ant Control
The best solution for ant problems is hiring a licensed professional. Here are answers to frequently asked questions that relate to why this is the case:
Does pest control get rid of ants?
Yes and no. While pest control can get rid of ants in your home, it is not possible (or beneficial) to get rid of all the ants in your yard. The goal of pest control is to manage where pests are allowed to be and reduce pest activity in key areas to prevent problems.
How does a professional stop ants from getting inside?
Your pest professional will inspect your home and property, determine where activity is occurring, track routes ants are taking, apply products to seal entry points, and address ant colonies.
What does a professional use to control ants?
There are a number of products and methods used by pest professionals. Some target ant mounds directly. Some use ant workers against their own colonies. Some are applied to monitor ant activity. Ant control is more about the process than it is about the products used. Pest professionals are trained and experienced individuals with specialized knowledge pertaining to common pest ant species.
Tips To Prevent Ant Re-Infestation
Once you've had your ant infestation dealt with, what is the next step? There are primarily two ways to prevent reinfestation. You can learn how to keep ants out of your house or you can get year-round pest control. Some residents do both. Here are our best tips for DIY ant management:
- Reduce ant food around your home. Ants eat nectar, honeydew, seeds, and food sources in your trash.
- Reduce ant harborage options around your home. Rake leaves, sticks, and other debris away from your exterior. Move woodpiles.
- Seal entry points ants can use to get inside. Use a caulking gun to get most entry points. Replace damaged weatherstripping, door sweeps, frames, and screens.
- Reduce food options inside. Keep your home clean and protect interior food options.
- Reduce moisture and humidity inside. Address plumbing issues and install vents or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity.
These natural methods may reduce ant problems below your threshold of comfort. If you want more control, contact Prewett Pest Control & Termite for assistance with effective ant control and management in Baldwin County.
Let Prewett Pest Control & Termite Help With Your Ant Problem
When you contact Prewett Pest Control & Termite for assistance with ant control in Baldwin County, not only will you get appropriate and effective control of ants in your home, we'll provide you with the information you need for preventing future infestations in areas like Daphne, Fairhope, Orange Beach, and Foley. The information provided will be a mixture of DIY tips for correcting conducive conditions and sealing entry points, and outlining how year-round pest control can help. Reach out to us today to learn more.