Across the U.S., more than 700 different species of ants exist. However, only about 25 types commonly venture into homes. Most ant species form large groups known as colonies—often positioned below ground. Ants are largely social creatures that co-exist in these colonies, acting in various roles for the betterment of the whole such as workers, kings, queens, etc.
Ants are a well-known annoyance often encountered at picnics, barbeques, and similar outdoor events that involve food. As omnivorous insects, ants will consume a wide variety of foods, including most of what humans eat, particularly sweets, meats, and starchy items.
Ants have bodies consisting of three sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen, and they appear in an array of colors. Although some ants have wings and will take flight, the vast majority travel using their six legs and have antennae used for sensory purposes. The primary ant species that aggravate homeowners in Providence are carpenter ants, pavement ants, pharaoh ants, odorous house ants, and thief ants.
Is your home the site of an escalating problem with ants? This is a fairly common pest-related concern that sometimes requires assistance from a professional. A Providence pest control company like Encon employs a team of qualified professionals who know how to deal with ants that invade home in this region and strategies for how to prevent ants from returning.
How Can I Tell If I Have An Ant Infestation?
Are you wondering how to identify ant infestations in your Providence-area home? As with most home-invading critters, ants aggressively pursue sources of food after infiltrating a residential structure. Kitchen areas are usually a hotbed of ant activity, including floors, sinks, trash cans, and dry food storage areas.
Look for long trails of ants traveling through the home, particularly once some members of the colony identify a food source. Keep in mind that invading ants may belong to a colony with a nest on the exterior that is very close to the home, often identified with piles or mounds of excavated soil.
Are House Ants Typically Dangerous?
Most ant species in Providence are nuisance pests with minimal severe health-related risks; however, ants might spread salmonellosis, E.coli infection, and other viable health concerns. This is due to them walking through dirty areas, including garbage, then carrying these bacteria as they travel.
Carpenter ants are unique because they destroy property. These pests tunnel through wood and create the need for costly repairs, and can cause severe damage to your home.
Five Naturally Effective Ant Prevention Tips
Are you seeking the best ways how to stop ants from entering your home and creating an infestation? Consider the following five preventative measures:
- Never let dirty dishes pile up for days, and place food in the refrigerator or sealed containers
- All kitchen trash should remain in a durable garbage can with a lid
- Keep the floors free of crumbs and spills
- Fill structural cracks that might allow intrusion with weatherproof sealant
- Repair damaged window screens and place sweeps on exterior entry doors
Remember to thoroughly clean any surfaces exposed to ants indoors to remove traces of residual pheromone chemicals fully.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of An Ant Infestation In Your Home
The team of local home pest control professionals with Encon receives the latest training regarding how to get rid of ants in homes and know how to keep ants out. We recognize that your property is unique and never use one-size-fits-all options such as those sold in local retail stores. Instead, we will conduct a detailed assessment and determine the type of ant species involved, the likely points of initial entry, and the extent of the intrusion within the home.
Our technicians have a variety of products at their disposal. They may deploy baits inside the home, apply a specialized liquid around the exterior, and implement necessary exclusionary measures to address the vulnerability. Our year-round, ongoing property protection plans also include ant control services.
As a full-service provider of pest-related solutions with more than 15 years of professional industry experience, property owners throughout Providence can depend on Encon for superior results. Contact our office today for additional information.