Dealing with ants invading your home can be a frustrating and sometimes daunting task. From tiny trails of pavement ants to menacing colonies of carpenter ants, these tiny pests can wreak havoc on your living space and peace of mind. Knowing when to handle the problem yourself and when to call in the professionals can make all the difference in effectively eliminating an ant infestation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the types of ants you might encounter, DIY solutions to try, and crucially, when to call an exterminator for ants.
Do You Have an Ant Infestation?
Ants are not just pesky insects — they can pose various threats to your home and well-being. Identifying the type of ants infesting your property is the crucial first step in addressing the issue. Understanding their behavior and habits can help you assess the severity of the infestation and determine the most appropriate course of action.
6 Types of Ants You May Encounter at Home
- Carpenter Ants
Among the most destructive ants, carpenter ants can wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity. These large, reddish-black ants prefer moist environments and often nest in decaying wood. They may enter your home through damaged areas, such as rotting window sills or cracked door frames, posing a significant threat to wooden structures.
- Pavement Ants
Commonly found nesting in cracks and crevices of pavement and concrete structures, pavement ants are small, black, or dark brown in color. While they do not cause structural damage, they can contaminate food if they invade your home, making them a nuisance to deal with.
- Argentine Ants
Invasive and adaptable, Argentine ants can form expansive colonies that disrupt local ecosystems. While they do not directly threaten humans or structures, their presence can lead to food contamination and emit a foul odor when crushed, making them unwelcome guests in any home.
- Fire Ants
Known for their painful stings, fire ants can be a significant nuisance, particularly for those allergic to their venom. These aggressive ants typically nest outdoors but can venture indoors, especially in warmer climates. Their presence can pose a threat to both humans and pets, requiring prompt eradication measures.
- Odorous House Ants
Aptly named for their unpleasant odor when crushed, odorous house ants can invade kitchens and crawl spaces, causing annoyance and potential food contamination. While they do not pose a direct health risk, their presence can be a source of frustration for homeowners.
- Crazy Ants
Characterized by their erratic behavior and nesting habits, crazy ants can be challenging to control once they infiltrate your home. These dark brown or black ants are attracted to food sources and may enter homes seeking shelter, particularly after heavy rains or during cooler seasons. Their unpredictable movements and nesting preferences under carpets make them a formidable adversary for homeowners.
Ant Pest Control Solutions to Try
If you’re dealing with a minor ant infestation, there are several DIY solutions you can attempt before resorting to professional help. Ant bait traps, sealing entry points, and the use of boric acid-based pesticides are effective methods for controlling small colonies. Regular property maintenance, including proper sanitation and elimination of food sources, can also help prevent future infestations.
When to Call an Exterminator for Ants
Despite your best efforts, some ant infestations may prove too stubborn or extensive for DIY treatments. In such cases, it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to seek professional assistance. If DIY methods fail to curb the infestation or if you’re dealing with a particularly aggressive ant species such as fire ants or carpenter ants, don’t hesitate to contact a reputable pest control service or exterminator. At GreenCore Environmental, we offer eco-friendly and EPA-certified pest control services to ensure the safe and thorough removal of ants from your home. Based in Cocoa and serving Central and South Florida, we’re just a phone call away at (866) 816-BUGS.