There's nothing worse than picking up a piece of fruit from the bowl in your kitchen only to discover that it's covered with ants. Well, maybe picking up your toothbrush and seeing one crawling along the bristles—that's probably worse.
An ant infestation in the bathroom or kitchen can really ruin your peace of mind. Ants are notoriously difficult to kill; smash one, and you'll see at least two dozen visible ants crawling along the corners and in the grout lines of your shower or backsplash. But what you may not know is that DIY methods aren't usually that effective at eliminating ant infestations. Most of the time, these stopgap measures will only prolong the problem because they don't treat the issue at its source.
Greenix helps get rid of ant infestations with proven treatment methods to kill any of these existing invasive insects that are in your home and help take care of the problem where it has originated.
What causes an ant infestation?
Ant infestations don't happen without a good reason. Most of the time, that reason is food and water. Ants are always on the hunt for sources of sustenance for their colonies; anytime a single ant finds one and reports back, they start to swarm. In early spring, just a few scouts may leave the colony to forage for food, which can lead to a full-blown infestation if not addressed promptly.
The most common attractions for ants tend to be uncovered food crumbs. Sugar, dog food, and cat food are all ideal finds for foraging ants. And because these foods are most often found in bathrooms and kitchens, there's lots of water for an ant colony to claim.
At the end of the day, you may not be doing anything wrong. Even if you keep a clean house and close all food containers, an ant colony may just want to pay you a visit because you live nearby. If your home has too many holes and openings near windows, doors, or your foundation, you're giving them an invitation to hang out.
What attracts ants to your home?
Ants are always on the lookout for a convenient food source, shelter, and water, making your home an attractive target. Sweet or sticky substances like honey, sugar, and soda are irresistible to ants. Pet food and bird seed left out in the open can also draw them in. Unsealed food containers and crumbs scattered around the kitchen are like a buffet for these tiny invaders.
Moisture and damp areas, such as showers, windows, and basements, provide the perfect environment for ants to thrive. Water-damaged wood and structures are particularly appealing to carpenter ants, who love to tunnel through softened wood. Even aphids and other insects that excrete honeydew can attract ants to your home.
It's important to note that even if your home is spotless, nearby food sources can still lure ants inside. They follow scent trails and pheromones left by other ants, leading them straight to your doorstep.
Types of Ants That Infest Homes
Several ant species are known to invade homes, each with its own set of challenges:
Odorous House Ants: These tiny ants, typically less than 1⁄8 inch long, are a common nuisance. Attracted to sweet or sticky substances, they often invade kitchens and bathrooms. When crushed, they emit a distinctive, unpleasant odor, hence their name.
Carpenter Ants: Larger than most other ants, carpenter ants range from 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch long. They can cause significant structural damage as they tunnel through wood to create nests. Water-damaged wood is particularly attractive to them, making it essential to address any leaks or moisture issues promptly.
Pavement Ants: Dark brown to black in color, pavement ants are often found in cracks and crevices of pavement and concrete. They can easily make their way into homes through tiny gaps and are known for their persistent foraging behavior.
Thief Ants: Small and yellowish-brown, thief ants are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are attracted to sweet or greasy substances and can be particularly challenging to control due to their tiny size and ability to nest in hidden areas.
Understanding the different types of ants that can infest your home is the first step in effectively managing and preventing an infestation.
How Ants Enter the Home
Ants are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding their way into your home. They can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and crevices in walls and floors, making it essential to seal any potential entry points. Gaps under doors and windows are common entryways, especially if they are poorly sealed.
Voids in walls and other structural gaps provide easy access for ants. They can also hitch a ride on objects brought into the home, such as plants or food. Once inside, ants follow scent trails and pheromones to locate food and shelter, making it crucial to address any potential attractants promptly.
Even pipes and electrical outlets can serve as highways for ants, allowing them to move freely throughout your home. By understanding how ants enter, you can take proactive steps to block their access and keep them out.
Common signs of an ant infestation
So, what do you look out for when it comes to ants? There are a few key details. Seeing ants themselves clustering around outside is a good indication that you might have an infestation in the future; seeing them in the house means you probably have a big problem on your hands already. This is especially true if you see them marching along in an ant trail; this means they're setting a pheromone trail to make the whole colony know that their new favorite restaurant—your home—is open for business.
In addition to ants themselves, you might also notice ant mounds outside your home. Even small mounds can be a sign of a huge problem because ants build massive lairs beneath the soil. By keeping an ant's watch, you can track their movements and identify potential entry points into your home.
In the house, you should look for ants crawling in and out of outlets and tiny gaps in grout or drywall. This is a good indication that you have an ant infestation in your walls.
Preventing Ant Infestations
Preventing ant infestations requires a combination of good housekeeping, sealing entry points, and eliminating attractants. Here are some practical tips to help keep your home ant-free:
Keep a Clean Home: Regularly clean counters, sinks, and floors to remove crumbs and spills that can attract ants. Pay special attention to the kitchen and dining areas where food is most likely to be found.
Store Food Correctly: Seal food containers tightly and clean up crumbs immediately. This includes pet food, which should be stored in airtight containers.
Eliminate Moisture: Fix any leaks and use a dehumidifier to reduce damp areas in your home. Pay attention to bathrooms, basements, and other areas prone to moisture.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and crevices in walls and floors, and seal them with caulk or other appropriate materials. Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent ants from sneaking in.
Use Ant Baits: Place ant baits in areas where ants are commonly seen. These baits attract ants, which then carry the poison back to the colony, helping to eliminate the infestation at its source.
Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard in good shape by removing debris and trimming trees and shrubs. This reduces the likelihood of ants finding their way into your home.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of ant infestations and maintain a pest-free home. If you do encounter an ant problem, don't hesitate to contact professional pest control services for effective solutions.
How do I deal with an ant infestation?
Killing an ant infestation with DIY tactics and treatments isn't advised. Sure, you might take out a couple of the worker ants that are visible, but what about the thousands of ants that are back at the colony? Unless your treatment involves baiting the ants with a substance they can take back to the nest, you'll probably have issues. Effective treatments should target the queen ant to ensure the entire colony is eliminated.
Part of what makes ant infestations so difficult to deal with is that ant colonies can be located hundreds of feet from your home. Because ants are so numerous, killing the handful in your home won't do anything to deter the remaining ones in their nest. Only by using proven treatments that can be taken back by a handful of ants will you eradicate the issue.
Contact Greenix to deal with your ant infestation
Don't panic if ants are running all over your kitchen or bathroom. Contact the pest control pros at Greenix to help tackle the problem. Our proven treatments can kill ants at the source, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind that your ant issue can be kept well under control. Greenix Pest Control is there to take care of the problems that pests bring.
