Ants are among the most social insects, although many businesses and homeowners would prefer they do their socializing somewhere far away from their properties. Almost immediately after hatching, they begin their lives in a colony where they tend to the queen, then continue to function as part of this tiny society as adults.
Pavement ants, so-called for their habit of nesting in soil under concrete, bricks, asphalt and between walls, are among the most common ants. They're also likely to populate lawns next to pavement slabs and cause damage to roots that causes yellow patches in the grass. Their presence is most pronounced in June and July when eggs are laid and young ants are maturing.
People may view pavement ants as just an unsightly annoyance, but they're more than that. They can also spread germs and disease when they enter stored food products. That's why their appearance outside may also lead to entry into businesses that deal in food products or homes where they will gravitate to sweets and protein-rich foods. They're particularly attracted to fruit, honey and meat and can track disease from one to the other.
If their population seems to be growing after attempts to block their entry into buildings, businesses and homeowners should call a commercial pest control expert like Abell Pest Control. A treatment plan will be prepared to determine pest removal options and provide advice to clients about preventing a reoccurrence.
Once inside your home, pavement ants are also likely to nest near heating sources, under flooring, inside insulation and in masonry and woodwork.
Good housekeeping is at the core of maintaining an environment that doesn't entice pavement ants to enter your home or business. As part of your pest management, keep food products securely sealed in containers and clean up spills immediately after they happen.
Outside, any food that's spilled during outdoor dining is equally important. Food scraps should only be disposed in trash receptacles that have tight-fitting lids and trash containers shouldn't be situated adjacent to buildings. Put some distance between the two so pavement ants can't make an easy trek inside your premises.
It also helps to seal any gaps in your building through which ants can make their way indoors. The main entries for ants into your home or business is through foundation cracks and window and door frames. Eliminate high moisture and water leaks by fixing damaged pipes or faucets.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
