Overview:
This blog is a quick introduction to dealing with an infestation of ants. As with all pests, it’s important to understand the importance of proper treatment and maintenance, to get rid of and keep pests out of your space.
Facts about Ants:
Ants do not often enter indoor spaces since they can find the things that they need outdoors. If ants are found in your space it can be a sign that nearby greenery is growing too close to the structure, creating a pathway in for them. Small holes or cracks in your walls may also need to be patched. The ants that find do their way in are usually adult worker ants, trying to find food to provide for the queen and the colony.
There are four types of ants that are commonly seen in buildings: carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. If just one ant makes it in and can find food, it will leave a scented trail, called a pheromone trail.
This trail lets other worker ants know that a food source can be found in this area. While it also serves as a warning to other insects. The pheromones tell other species that the territory “belongs” to the ants, and that they should stay away. Due to these pheromones, it is vital to discourage ant entry as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Though ants may seem annoying but harmless, carpenter ants destroy the wood in a building just as termites do. You will want an expert to come in, identify and rid of these ants to prevent further damage to the structure. The small holes they create in wood can cause larger scale damage, especially if they are left to continue to create more of these small holes. Even other ants can cause problems such as ruining foods, antagonizing pets, or soiling sensitive areas.
If you have, or suspect you have, an ant issue, please contact us at A-Z Environments. We will work with you to get these pests out of your space in the least disruptive way possible.