How To Handle Spotting Ants – Keep Calm, Pest Control On
They’re the reason you don’t leave crumbs on the floor. They’re small yet amazingly strong, and a whole colony of them can build mightily small cities entirely underground. Ants, are what most people think of when they hear the word “insect” and knowing how to handle spotting ants can be an ordeal as they are extraordinary organisms with immense drive. They’re the exact definition of the “next man up” mentality; workers, scouts, builders all serving the common purpose of building a home for themselves and their kin.
But, like most of us, we’d rather them do it outside our homes rather than within, and like a guest who overstays their welcome, ants have a tendency to stay indefinitely rather than take their leave. The good news is there are a few ways to identify your ant problem to determine what steps are needed from do it yourself pest control to calling in professional pest control.
Get A Helping Hand, Or Two!
The “Family Handyman” suggests that in knowing type of ant you’re dealing with you can determine where they come from. And while you may think all species are the same or operate the same way, there are many numerous different types of species and occupations of these small buggers.
While few can call themselves ant experts or “Antsperts” if you’d prefer, there are many across the US who are readily available to help you figure out what you’re looking at and without any cost to you! The experts at your local College University Extension are always happy to lend a hand for your bug needs. Simply taking a picture of the ants you see in your home and sending those photos to your local Extension (just search your state and “Extension”) and ask them for help. Once the ants are correctly identified, the process of getting rid of them can truly begin.
Let’s assume you contact the Extension, and they tell you the ants in your home are Carpenter ants. These types of ants can damage your home and can be a real nuisance once they get a foothold into your home. Once they can detect a good place to stay, they dig in good. The Extension is the perfect example why, in this instance, it’s best to contact them first so you can correctly identify the species and better design a way to get rid of them. Mind you if it is Carpenter ants, you will likely need a pest control service to root them out permanently.
Note: we at MasterGuard offer free pest inspections. Not only can we find out what’s bugging you, we can start you on your way right then and there!
Caulk Your Gaps, Seal The Cracks
According to an article by The Today Show, the ants’ small size gives them a huge advantage when it comes from moving in from place to place. They can come through cracks in the wall, spaces between the door and the floor; just about any place where there’s enough of a tiny space for them to crawl into. Experts say good sanitation reduces ant attraction to your home, but good exclusion practices that include caulking any gaps in windows, doors or cracks in the building foundation is the key to keeping them out.
The Trees Have Eyes And Six Legs
It’s not just cracks in the walls or small openings near doors and windows: experts say ants can find their way inside your home through your gutters, leaky/cracked pipes, firewood, and nearby trees or shrubbery. Think of a tree branch close to the window or cluttered gutters as potential ant highways into your home. Firewood is like a hot nightclub to ants, so be sure if you’re storing any of it, to keep it as far away from your home as possible.
Using these tips for how to handle spotting ants, you can stop the proverbial conga line – also known as ant foraging trails – from entering your home. Once those ants go marching 2 by 2, hoorah, hoorah, it’s hard to stop them from keeping that song going.
Ants can range from annoying to detrimental to your home. It’s important to know the type of ants you spot inside, and find out how they’re coming in. Keep in mind their size means any sliver of opening is a potential welcome sign for these insects. A clean home and consistently upkeeping your space can prevent them from coming inside.
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