Ants are social insects live in structured colonies and inhabit a wide range of environments. While ants play essential roles in ecosystems, they can also pose health threats among other problems. Carpenter ants, for example, can cause structural damage to buildings by excavating wood for their nests. Some species, like pharaoh ant and thief ant, spread diseases like salmonella and streptococcus, while fire ants can deliver painful stings that may trigger allergic reactions. Ant infestations in homes and businesses can be a major nuisance, leading to food contamination and requiring professional pest control.
Preventing ant problems requires a combination of good hygiene practices, proper food storage, and regular home maintenance. To keep ants at bay, ensure that your living spaces are clean by regularly wiping down counters, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. Store food in airtight containers and keep it off countertops to eliminate potential food sources for ants. Look to see where ants are getting in and seal any cracks and gaps in windows, doors, or your foundation to block entry points.
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Abell Pest Control will provide a custom program tailored to your ant infestation.
Our approach:
Inspection
Your Abell Technician has the experience and training required for successful extermination.
Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are mostly black and larger than most ants. They hollow out nests in both dry and moist wood, though they prefer the latter. They are particularly hard to remove as their nests can be difficult to locate. They will forage in your home for food, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Pavement Ants: While rarely aggressive, pavement ants can bite and sting when disturbed, causing mild discomfort to humans. As they travel in search for food, they can contaminate food and areas like food preparation surfaces. They can also cause some damage to properties by displacing soil while they excavate their nest under interlocks and driveways.
Pharaoh Ants: These tiny ants favour sweets but will also eat grease. They live in extremely large colonies and stay warm near artificial heating sources like water heaters, hot water pipes and ovens. They are commonly found near moisture sources like sink areas, where they increase the risk of contaminating food and food preparation areas.
Big-headed ants:do not sting and are unlikely to bite unless their nests are disturbed, and even then, their bites are not painful. These ants do not cause structural damage, though they can occasionally disrupt manicured lawns. They typically nest in soil around structures, under patio stones, rotting wood, tree stumps, and piles of debris. While they usually nest outdoors, changing environmental conditions can lead to persistent indoor infestations.
European Fire Ants:are aggressive stingers that can swarm you, each stinging multiple times. The stings cause a painful burning sensation and can cause severe allergic reactions. They will forage for food like other ants. These ants prefer moist environments and often build nests inside decaying logs, in soil, under rocks or debris, and even in potted plants. It's common to find multiple nests on one property. They can crawl onto people or pets as they walk or brush against foliage while moving through infested areas.
Abell's pest control services for ants provide a comprehensive and effective solution to manage and eliminate these persistent pests. The process starts with a thorough inspection to identify the ant species and sources of the infestation. Then, we implement targeted treatments that may include sweet or protein baits and/or direct treatments, to control the ants. To help prevent future ant problems, your technician will identify structural issues, like cracks where ants are getting in your home, or structural problems like rotting wood or other things that will attract certain species of ants.
Abell Pest Control offers solutions for common ants infesting properties, such as field ants, acrobat ants, citronella ants (large yellow ants), and odorous house ants.
Q: How can I prevent ants from entering my home?
A: To prevent ants, keep your home clean by regularly wiping down surfaces, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. Store food in airtight containers, take out the trash regularly and seal any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and foundations.
Q: What types of ants are common household pests?
A: Common household ants include carpenter ants, which can damage wood structures; and pavement ants, which typically nest in cracks in driveways and sidewalks. Pharoah ants will make their nests in your home.
Q: Are ants harmful to my health?
A: While most ants are not directly harmful, some can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria. Fire ants can deliver painful stings that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It's important to address ant infestations promptly to minimize health risks.
Q: Can ants cause damage to my home?
A: Certain species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by excavating wood for their nests. While they don't eat wood like termites, their tunneling can weaken wooden structures over time.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of an ant infestation?
A: The time required to eliminate an ant infestation depends on the type of ants, severity, and size of the colony. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to see significant results.
Q: When should I call a professional for ant control?
A: If you've tried DIY methods and the infestation persists or if the ants are causing structural damage, it's best to call a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and tools to effectively identify, treat, and prevent ant infestations.
Q: How can I prevent an ant infestation in my home?
Q: What attracts ants to my home?
A: Ants are typically attracted to food water, and shelter. Common attractants include sugary substances, greasy foods, pet food, and even water sources like leaky pipes or standing water.
