There’s no question that ants can be a severe nuisance when it comes to pests that overrun our homes. The frustration often lies in how quickly they can multiply and invade our space. While ants do play a crucial role in the ecosystem, the fact is that they’re unwelcome guests in our homes. To effectively deal with ant infestations, you’ll need to hire ant extermination services to help identify the specific ant species involved and take the appropriate pest eradication steps.
Common Ant Species Found In Florida
Red Ants
Most commonly spotted out in your garden, red ants or fire ants are the ones that bite, leaving behind burning sensations and raised welts. They’re often more aggressive than most native ant species, even pushing other species away from their local habitat.
Carpenter Ants
Otherwise known as bull ants, these are one of the largest ant species here in Florida. Carpenter ants tend to build their nests in damp, decaying wood or water-damaged areas, and you certainly don’t want to be bitten by one as their bites can be particularly painful.
Sugar Ants
These are the tiny ants that you’ll spot in your kitchen. Generally, they’re quite harmless, although you still won’t want them foraging amongst your food. They’re strongly attracted to sugary foods and beverages, and you may also find them in bathrooms and near other food sources.
Odorous House Ants
These house ants give off a distinct coconut-like smell when they’re crushed. They typically nest outside, but they’ll move their search indoors if there’s any disruption to their external food source. These house ants also prefer to nest in warm, moist areas near food sources.
Prevention and Control Methods
Sanitation and Cleanliness
If you don’t want ants coming into your home, pay attention to the cleanliness of your kitchen and keep your countertops clean and free of food debris. Be sure to store all food in airtight containers and always dispose of any garbage in sealed bins, with the intention of removing them from your home quickly and frequently.
If you have any spills and crumbs, clean them up immediately to avoid attracting ants. Overall, maintaining a clean and tidy home environment will help to discourage ant infestations.
Sealing Entry Points
Putting in the effort to seal possible entry points into your home will make a significant difference in the number of ants that can find their way in. To do this, inspect your home’s exterior and interior for any cracks, gaps, and holes that ants can use to enter. If you spot any entry points, use caulk or another suitable sealant to close them off.
Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, utility lines, and foundation cracks, and close up any possible entry points. Also, look out for any cracks or holes in your home’s structure that should be sealed to prevent ants from gaining access.
Removing Moisture Sources
As mentioned above, many ant species love to nest in moist areas, so you’re best off trying to remove any moisture sources. Look out for leaky pipes and faucets that may attract ants and fix them. It’s also crucial to ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas so they don’t become ideal habitats for ants. If you have a damp basement, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
Using Ant Baits and Insecticides
When you discover an ant infestation, the first thing you might want to try is using ant baits and insecticides.
You can try placing ant baits near areas where the ants are observed to effectively control the colony. Also, use insecticide sprays in cracks, crevices, and other areas where ants are likely to hide. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any pest control products. At times, you may even want to employ a combination of baits and insecticides for a comprehensive ant control strategy.
Professional Pest Control Services
Often, it might be too late for simple over-the-counter ant bait and insecticide remedies by the time a homeowner realizes they have an ant infestation problem. This is when you’ll have to hire a professional pest control company like ours to help you tackle severe or persistent ant infestations.
Our pest control experts have access to more potent and targeted treatments that are more effective than DIY methods. Additionally, we can also provide expert advice on preventing future infestations and identifying the specific ant species involved. If you want to maintain a pest-free home environment, we recommend that you hire regular pest control services so that any ant infestations don’t become unmanageable or widespread.
Let Drake Lawn & Pest Control Help You Tackle Any Ant Infestations
Unfortunately, ants are extremely persistent and even ingenious in how they seem to be able to find a way into your home. There are times when you need professional pest control experts to help eradicate these pests, and it’ll be a mistake to let the ant infestation become severe and out of control. If you suspect you have an ant infestation, don’t wait any longer. Call us today, and let us help you eradicate these pests with our effective and safe solutions!
Brandon is the President of Drake Lawn and Pest Control in Orlando, FL . He has over 30 years experience in the Orlando Pest Control Industry. He attributes his achievements to living by these rules: continuous training and education, providing honest work and striving for the pursuit of perfect service.
