Date Posted: March 1, 2023
Category: Ants
Ants are common pests around picnics and in homes. Unfortunately, infestations aren’t always easy to take care of. That’s why Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help. If you need ant control and pest control in Worcester, we’re your best option. Our high-quality pest control and ant prevention tips will have your home pest-free in no time.
How Can I Tell If It’s Ants In My House?
The most obvious and most common sign of an ant infestation is actually seeing ants. They often travel in trails between the nest and a food or water source. There are a few different types of ants in Worcester, the most common being:
- Carpenter ants
- Odorous house ants
- Pavement ants
- Pharaoh ants
Carpenter ants are big, about half an inch long. They chew into wood to build their nests, so you might notice small holes in wooden surfaces. You may also see wood shavings near the holes. Sometimes, their presence inside the walls of a house can be heard.
Odorous house ants got their name for the smell they emit when they’re crushed. These ants give off a rotten smell that makes it easy to identify the species.
Pavement ants can look similar to odorous house ants: about an eighth of an inch long and black. They’re often seen traveling in single-file lines that create trails along sidewalks.
Pharaoh ants are yellow or reddish in color. They’re tiny, less than an eighth of an inch long. These ants are commonly found in commercial properties.
Thief ants are similar to pharaoh ants. They’re also less than an eighth of an inch long and range in color from pale yellow to brown.
How Dangerous Are House Ants?
Ants are typically classified as “nuisance pests” because they don’t harm humans. However, there is some risk for food contamination because ants will seek out and walk on your food. Odorous house ants can be particularly bothersome because of their smell.
Carpenter ants can cause property damage as they chew through wooden structures, including your walls. They form tunnels and open spaces where they nest. Pharaoh ants are known to spread disease, especially when they’re found in medical facilities. These diseases include salmonellosis, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
How And Why Ants Find Their Way Into Your Home
Like other animals, ants need food, water, and shelter to survive. Most ants will eat just about anything, which is why houses are particularly good hiding places for them. They can find food easily and build their nests without too much struggle. Oftentimes, ants will build their nests near water sources, which may be inside your walls. This is especially an issue because it makes it more difficult to find the nest and remove the infestation.
Here are some tips for preventing ants that you can implement in your home:
Fix moisture issues: Ants need water to survive, and they prefer to settle their colonies near water. Leaky pipes and excess humidity can create ideal environments for ants to live in. Taking the time to fix these issues makes your home less hospitable for ants.
Seal cracks in the walls: Ants are pretty tiny, and they’re determined. Any crack, gap, or hole in your walls could let ants inside your home. It could also allow them inside the walls, where they can build their nests. This step also involves some work around the house, but it’s very important to eliminate any potential entrance points to prevent ant infestations.
Keep food out of reach: Food that’s stored in airtight, solid containers is inaccessible to ants and other pests. They won’t be able to smell it, and they won’t be able to access it. Additionally, any spills and crumbs should be cleaned up as quickly as possible so as not to attract ants.
Dispose of garbage properly: Ants don’t just want to eat your food; they’ll go after food waste, too. Make sure that all trash is taken care of properly and trash cans are covered securely and put away.
Trim vegetation away from your house: Long branches can provide bridges to your home for ants. Tree branches and bushes should be cut back so as to not allow ants a way to your house.
Prevention is great, but what can you do when ants have invaded? That’s where Big Blue Bug Solutions comes in.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants In My House?
Ant infestations can be hard to manage. Colonies grow rapidly, and their nests are often very well hidden. In order to really treat an ant infestation, the nest needs to be taken care of. That’s why Big Blue Bug Solutions offers treatment plans for ants in Worcester. We’ll perform a thorough inspection around your home to find the root of the problem, then establish a treatment method that will get rid of the ants for good. If you need ant control in Worcester, call Big Blue Bug Solutions today.
