Ant Control 101 – Identify, Prevent, and Eliminate Infestations

Ant is one of the houseguests no one wants but nearly gets them! As per a recent survey by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) - ants of every species are everywhere.

In fact, in America, they are considered the number 1 nuisance pest among all.

With over 700 types of ants in the US alone, there’s no doubt that these pests can become problematic in no time. As these insects are just tiny and rarely bothersome, most people tend to ignore the fact that they may pose health risks and may also cause structural damage to the home. They come inside the home in search of food or nesting habitat - even a small crumb of food can attract them!

Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of this pest. You can take necessary measures such as preventing water from standing in or near your home, repairing hose bibs and other supply lines, etc. Also, you can call pest control. But to eliminate ants, you need to identify the types of ants - this will help determine the course of treatment.

Why Do Ants Come Into Your Home?

Ants are considered nature’s cleaning crew. They clean and remove bits and scraps of food. But the problem is sometimes we don’t want their help. Well, seeing a line of ants can be a horrifying experience for many. But why do they come into your home?

Well, the first thing to know is - they are more active during summer. They usually come into your home in search of water during dry periods. So, if you see them near your kitchen sink or bathroom - don’t fret or panic! Sometimes, heavy rains flood their colony, which drives them to take shelter in your home.

But ants have brains smaller than a grain of sand. So, how do they find a way to get to our homes? They are attracted to food in the kitchen pantries. When an ant finds some delicious food lying around, they respond by placing tiny droplets of pheromone all the way back to the nest. Once this happens, hundreds of others follow the trail to the food.

Also, some species, like carpenter ants, thrive in damp and decaying wood. So, if you see damp furniture - it’s time to take care of it before a bunch of ants make it their residence.

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Common Types of Ants Found in Homes

Here are a few common types of ants found in Rancho Cordova -

1. Argentine Ants

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are small, invasive ants that are native to South America. They have multiple queens and form massive colonies. They prefer moist and warm environments and are commonly seen in gardens and kitchens.

How To Identify Argentine Ants?
Argentine ants are small (about 2-3mm) and dark brown and move in long trails. They are attracted to sugary food products, and unlike traditional ants, they don’t build mounds but nest under rocks, walls and moist soil.

2. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are large, black or reddish ants that tunnel into the wood to create nests. However, they don’t eat wood. But weaken them by hollowing them out. If you have damp or decaying woods or branches anywhere near your home - that’s where they must have made their home.

How To Identify Carpenter Ants?
They might sometimes be difficult to identify because they leave sawdust-like wood shavings (frass) - which may seem like termite infestation. Also, they make faint rustling sounds inside the walls and large winged ants during mating seasons. If you see these signs and suspect termites (sometimes possible) - call pest control to identify and get rid of the insects.

3. Velvety Tree Ants

Velvety tree ants (Liometopum spp.) are medium in size and found in wooded areas. They often nest in tree cavities, rotting logs, and even inside the home. They get their name from their velvety black abdomen that contrasts with their reddish-brown head and thorax.

How To Identify Velvety Tree Ants?
They can be identified by their strong odor when crushed - which is similar to rotten coconut. You can find them in large colonies, which look like a well-defined trail along tree trunks or walls. Unlike carpenter ants, they don’t burrow in the walls. Instead, they invade homes searching for sweets and proteins.

4. Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tiny and invasive pests that infest homes, hospitals, and restaurants. The pharaoh worker ants are 2mm in size, and queens are 4 mm. Unlike other ants, they prefer warm and humid environments and build nests in hidden spaces like electrical outlets, under floors, wall voids, etc.

How To Identify Pharaoh Ants?
They can be easily identified with their yellow to light brown color with dark abdomens and are 2 mm in length. You’ll find them forming long trails to food sources. But they are challenging to get rid of because they spread by “budding,” which means splitting the colony. Thus, they often require professional pest control services.

5. Thief Ants

Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta) get their names from their nesting habit. They make their home near other ants’ homes and steal their food and larvae. They are found throughout the eastern United States. They are so small that they usually go unnoticed at times.

How To Identify Thief Ants?
These ants are 1.5 mm long and yellowish or tan in color. You’ll find them lighter than any other ants (except for pharaoh ants). Their eyes are tiny with 4 to 6 ommatidia (facets). Also, their 10-segmented antenna has a pronounced 2-segmented club with a very small stinger. Pharaoh and thief ants are often misidentified because of their almost similar size and color.

6. Red Imported Fire Ants

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are aggressive and invasive ant species. They are known for their painful sting and rapid colony expansion. They originate from South America and build large dome-shaped mounds in open, sunny areas like lawns, tree bases, and sidewalks. If disturbed, they attack in swarms.

How To Identify Red Imported Fire Ants?
They are reddish-brown with darker abdomen and are 2-6 mm in size. Their bits have a fiery sting, which causes a burning sensation, which may form blisters. If you find their mounds, avoid contact and call a professional pest control to eliminate them.

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How To Get Rid Of Ants In The House?

Ants are usually attracted to homes due to food. Though they are half the size of a paper clip, they can create utter nuisance. A study shows that monorium ants carry pathogenic bacteria - and that is one of the major reasons to get rid of them! Here are some ways how to deter ants from your home -

1. Borax Solutions

Borax is a white powdery substance that is mainly used as a cleaning agent. Also, it acts as an insect repellant and emulsifier. It disrupts the digestive system of the ants - leading to death eventually. When an ant comes in contact with borax-laced bait, they carry it to the colony, which poisons other ants.

To make a borax solution, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of borax, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it where you see the ants. It is advisable to keep them away from pets and children.

2. Diatomaceous Earth (Silicon Dioxide)

Diatomaceous earth is made up of silica. It is made of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms, known as diatoms - a type of plankton. It isn’t harmful for humans but lethal for ants and bugs. The substance dries the insects out by absorbing the oil from their body.

Though it is not harmful to the human body, avoid breathing in or getting in contact with it, as it can irritate the skin. To use the product, read the description on the packaging.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil effectively kills flies and ants when they come in contact with it. The strong scent disrupts pheromone trails, making it difficult for other ants to follow. To use tea tree to kill ants - mix 10-15 drops with vinegar or water in a spray bottle.

Spray along the window, doors, and other openings in your home. Also, soaking cotton balls in the solution and keeping them at the entrance or the infested area - deters ants. It helps control minor infestations only. For heavily infested regions - call a professional.

4. Distilled White Vinegar

Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar, and it can not only be used to repel ants but also kill them. The stronger the vinegar solution, the better it can be. Mix one part of the vinegar with three parts of water. Some prefer using 100% vinegar to ensure optimal effectiveness.

All you need to do is - spray in the entrance and window sills. Also, don’t forget the backdoor! Wet a clean cloth in the solution and wipe the surface to sanitize them. It helps get rid of pheromones - which they use to leave a trail for other ants to follow!

5. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is the best solution for creeping critters. Peppermint has a strong odor that wards off any insects - including ants. They are safe for humans and do not cause nausea or headaches. Also, they can be used in lawns and gardens to prevent unwanted insects from entering your home.
You can either make peppermint spray by adding a few drops of the essential oil to water and spray it all over your space.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a compound known as - cinnamaldehyde that repels and kills ants. It is advisable to place ground cinnamon near doors and windows - their smell acts as an ant repellant. You can also use cotton balls dipped in cinnamon oil and place them near the areas you suspect to be ant-infested.
Replace the cotton balls occasionally and keep them out of reach of kids and pets.

DIY Methods Not Working? Get Guaranteed Ant Control Solutions— Call Us Now!

Ant Prevention Tips For Your Residential And Commercial Property

While you can use several methods to kill ants, it is also important to prevent them from re-entering your home and wreaking havoc. As residential and commercial properties are different in terms of make, location, etc., the prevention method varies.

Residential Properties

Repair leaky pipes and eliminate any standing water.
Keep food in an airtight container and dispose of the trash bags regularly.
Use ant traps and schedule pest inspection if the infestation persists.
Trim the dead parts of the plants and remove damaged or damp wood.
Use natural ant repellants such as - cinnamon, citrus, vinegar, baking soda, etc.
Wipe countertops, mop and sweep floors, and avoid leaving food crumbs here and there.
Close and seal the cracks and crevices that may serve as the entryway for those tiny creepers.

Commercial Property

Use professional ant control solutions.
Sanitize the food preparation and cafeteria area.
Check the packaging before bringing items inside the building.
Use airtight containers and regularly dispose of the waste.
Educate your employees on best practices to stop infestation.
Repair leaks and ensure proper drainage to reduce water stagnation.

When Does An Ant Infestation Require Professional Pest Control?

Well, that depends on the type and severity of the infestation. Handling a problem isn’t easy. Sometimes, even clean houses and anti-pest solutions do not help.

So, here are a few circumstances that require professional pest control services -

If you’ve already tried several homemade solutions, and these creepers still come back, it is time to call in an expert.
If you notice long ant trails or see them frequently here and there in your home, there is a chance they have built multiple nests. Hence, a professional can help eliminate the infestation.
If you see holes in the wooden structures or furniture in your home, there are most probably carpenter ants living in there. Get a professional involved before they destroy your wooden artifacts.
If you have dealt with multiple ant infestations in a shorter period, there is a chance that your house will be attractive to them. A professional exterminator can identify the reasons for infestation and provide proper solutions to prevent future infestations.

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Takeaway

Ants are common intruders on residential and commercial properties across the United States. They are mostly harmless - but some of them bite if they sense danger or come in contact with humans. However, once they invade your home, it is extremely challenging for them to get rid of them. Though there are certain deterring methods you can use - they work mostly on minor infestations.

In case of a major infestation - you can get in touch with a professional exterminator to help you remove ants from your home.

Got Ant Problems? Enjoy An Ant-Free Home With Finley Home Services’ Pest Inspection In Rancho Cordova!

Finley Home Services has been serving Rancho Cordova for many years. We have been helping residents and commercial properties get rid of termites, ants, etc. We quickly identify the type of species bothering you and suggest solutions that not only kill them but also prevent any further infestations.

We also help you with home inspection and construction and repair services. So, whatever your need may be, rely on us for the best services.