Pennsylvania has many types of ants, but the most ubiquitous and problematic ones are the carpenter, citronella, and sugar ants. Depending on your location, you might also spot odorous house ants and pavement ants.
Ants are industrious insects that play crucial roles in ecosystems. They scavenge for food, often aerating the soil in the process, and are prey to many essential species. Unfortunately, some are invasive and can form large colonies, bringing various problems with them.
In this blog on ant control in Montgomery County from M.A.D. Exterminators, you will learn to identify ant problems in your home and understand why you don't want fire ants all over your yard. We will also share helpful prevention techniques and discuss professional ant control options.
How To Tell If You Have An Ant Problem In Your Home
You can identify ant infestations in your home when you know what specific signs to look for.
First, ant trails are a clear sign of an infestation. You can sometimes find their nest if you find lines of ants marching toward a food source in your home. They typically are inside wall voids and underneath floorboards.
Some species also leave piles of discarded wings (usually near windows or light sources). Spotting them can mean you have swarming ants looking to expand a mature colony.
Remember, many ants forage for sweet or protein-rich foods. Pay special attention to your kitchen and dining room, where they might find sustenance. And finally, inspect your wooden structures, from furniture to structural beams, as carpenter ants can use them for nesting.
Professional strategies are often necessary if you're struggling with a sudden surge in ants or a persistent infestation, especially when dealing with dangerous fire ants.
Why You Don't Want Fire Ants In Your Yard
Fire ants are unwelcome guests in our yards, as they can cause many problems. They are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. Also, this species builds large mounds that will quickly turn your lush lawn into an eyesore. These mounds can also damage your lawnmower and lead to tripping hazards.
Additionally, fire ants are voracious predators. They can harm beneficial insects in your garden as they feed and compete with native ant species. They can also damage plant roots and prevent germination.
The best way to avoid these issues is to implement effective fire ant control measures, starting with prevention techniques.
Five Useful Ant Prevention Techniques
Here are five valuable ant prevention tips to prevent these unwanted invaders from entering your home:
- Seal entry points: You can prevent ants from invading by closing off structural vulnerabilities they can exploit, from gaps under doors to foundation cracks.
- Keep a clean home: It is an essential strategy to keep ants at bay. We recommend eliminating food sources that attract pests, cleaning as you go throughout the day, and regularly emptying and cleaning your trash cans.
- Remove standing water: Like many other household pests, ants need water to survive. Fixing leaks and reducing available water sources will make your home less attractive to ants and other scavengers.
- Trim plants on your property: Ant prevention starts outdoors. Caring for your landscaping will eliminate bridges that ants can use to enter your home and remove nesting and hiding spots.
- Ask for professional help: Many options are available to keep ants at bay year-round. M.A.D. Exterminators can tackle the most extensive colonies by eliminating the entire nest.
You can achieve long-term ant control with proper prevention strategies and professional help.
Call The Pros For The Most Effective Ant Removal
Ant infestations are a common and challenging issue in Montgomery County, where we deal with various species year-round. Unfortunately, DIY methods can be harmful and ineffective.
At M.A.D. Exterminators, we offer professional ant pest control services with personalized treatments to identify and eliminate the source of your problem for long-term prevention. We pride ourselves in our excellent customer service and effective treatments, including bait systems or residual products tailored to your situation. Call us today to learn more.
M.A.D. Exterminators offers fast and reliable ant removal treatments in Montgomery County. Reach out today to set up a consultation.