The tiniest ants, pharaoh ants, may be the most difficult to eradicate once they have foothold in a home or business, particularly restaurants where there's an abundance of food and water on which they thrive.
These ants are indeed small - only about 1/16-inch long - but they're prolific breeders whose nests split and multiply into numerous colonies, can host multiple queen ants and whose members mature quickly. Once hatched, it only takes about 38 days for the ants to mature to adulthood.
The result is that pharaoh ants can overrun a property very fast before attempts to get rid of them are barely off the ground. It's then that businesses and homeowners should call a commercial pest control service like Abell Pest Control to mount a forceful treatment plan that will rid their properties of these pests.
What makes ant control and removal so difficult is that they prefer to nest inside or near structures so they can search easily for food and water. Colonies generally develop in places that are hard to reach - wall and cabinet voids, refrigerator insulation, behind baseboards, under floors and dark areas near water pipes.
All of these conditions make restaurants and any commercial building that has food service prime targets for a pharaoh ant infestation. They're especially dangerous in eateries because salmonella is among the diseases they carry.
Once a professional pest control company clears away the colonies of pharaoh ants, steady maintenance must be practiced by restaurant workers to prevent a recurrence. Food must be stored in airtight containers and garbage must be disposed in sealed receptacles. All surfaces have to be cleaned thoroughly every day when service is over.
To avoid the high humidity and temperatures that foster their growth, restaurants should install dehumidifiers to keep the moisture under control. Potential areas of nesting should be checked regularly to make sure that the ant population hasn't gained another foothold on the premises. Any pooling of water from leaks must be corrected immediately.
The outside environment can also affect the situation. If there are trees or bushes on which ants could hitch a ride into the inside of the restaurant, the greenery must be cut back so that there's no contact between it and the building. Any openings or cracks around doors and windows should be caulked or repaired. If there are sources of standing water outside the restaurant, they should be eliminated.
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.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
