Description

Ant Control Tips and Strategies There are two main types of ant problems that are commonly encountered with an ant problem. Ants that live outside and forage inside Ants that already have a nest built inside 1. Ants that live outside and forage in the home. Ants that live outside will travel inside your home to search for food. Some species ultimately reside and nest inside houses. Caulk and seal cracks and crevices to eliminate passages into the home. Since Ants are extremely industrious in finding entry points, you may not be able to seal them all. Clean around entry points with a detergent to remove the chemical trail pheromone. 2. Ants that live (nest) inside your home. Some ants don't just enter your home foraging for food. Some ants will establish a colony inside. Indoor colonization occurs year-round, especially in warmer climates. Ant species that live in homes include Argentine Ants, Crazy Ants, Odorous House Ants, Pavement Ants, Pharaoh Ants, Thief Ants, and Carpenter Ants. All of these ants may infest food products. 3. Special Considerations for Carpenter Ants Carpenter Ants are most active in the evening hours when foraging for food, both inside the house and outside. By observing Ants at night, you may be able to tell where to spray or bait. Treating the nest itself is the last resort for Carpenter Ant control. Unless the entire nest is effectively treated, the colony may simply scatter. Use a non-repellent insecticide to minimize this risk. To prevent further Carpenter Ant infestations: Trim all trees and bushes so branches do not touch the house. Correct moisture problems such as leaky roofs and plumbing. Paint and/or seal exposed wood construction before it becomes wet. Replace rotted, water-damaged, and previously Ant-infested wooden parts of the structure. Eliminate wood/soil contacts. Remove dead stumps on the property and store firewood off the ground and away from the structure.