Ant Identification & Prevention

What are ants?

Ants are social insects that live in colonies ranging from big to enormous. A single ant colony can have tens of thousands to millions of ants. Ants live outside all around us and are some of the most common pests to invade our Waldorf homes.

An ant colony works together like a finely tuned machine, with each member responsible for a job that benefits the colony. Ants are scavengers and feed on almost anything they come across, including the food we keep in our kitchens!

Are ants dangerous?

We generally consider ants nuisances when they find their way to our properties. These insects invade our spaces in large numbers, are difficult to control and eliminate, and won’t hesitate to contaminate food and surfaces in our homes with bacteria. While most ants are not dangerous pests, they shouldn’t feel welcome in our homes.

Some types of ants are considered dangerous. Dangerous ants spread human pathogens, bite, sting, and cause structural damage.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are attracted to Waldorf properties that offer them access to their basic needs. Like any living creature, ants need three things to survive- food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, most of our yards have what ants are looking for to maintain their nest and keep the members of their colony fed.

Their small size makes it easy for ants to move into structures. They will take advantage of any small cracks or crevices they encounter. Food odors and moisture are the most likely ant attractants in our homes.

Where will I find ants?

Most ants prefer to live outside in nature, though ants succeed and thrive largely because of their ability to adapt. Ants can make themselves at home almost anywhere, from the soil in the cracks of a sidewalk to the interior of structural wood in a home. Other common nesting sites include downed trees, woodpiles, ground holes, wall voids, and the interior of electrical equipment.

A single ant colony is capable of maintaining multiple nesting sites. They typically have one large primary nest and several satellite nests. When a homeowner spot ants in their house, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are nesting inside. Ants will travel in and out of our homes each day, gathering food to bring back to the nest. Unfortunately, they may decide to make their presence permanent. It is common for ant colony members to build a nest inside a house in order to expand their colony in a safe location close to food.

If you regularly spot ants in your home, it is always a good idea to reach out to a professional to determine the species present, the extent of the infestation, and the implementation of effective ant control services.

How do I get rid of ants?

To get rid of ants, trust Mike's Pest, Termite and Wildlife Control. We are a locally owned company and understand the pest control needs of those that call Maryland home. We know the ants that live in our region and how to identify and eliminate them. Our ant control service includes the following:

• Inspection
• Initial treatment
• Follow-up visits to guard your home against future infestations

Learn more about the year-round residential pest control services we offer to control ants and other household pests by calling today.

How can I prevent ants in the future?

One of the best ways to minimize ant activity on your property is to remove their number one attractant — food. Some ways to cut down on food attractants are as follows:

• Keep lids on trash cans.
• Rinse out recyclables before placing them in recycling bins.
• Regularly remove trash from your property.
• Vacuum your home frequently to remove crumbs.
• Practice proper food storage.

For more helpful ways to prevent problems with ants, including implementing quality pest control services, please reach out today and speak with one of our professionals!