Ants are either the most oblivious or the most fearless pests on the planet. What other insects make a line into a home to steal food from creatures a million times their size? This feat either takes a tremendous amount of stupidity or a complete lack of fear. The world may never know the answer to this question. What we do know, however, is that ants are unwelcome guests in our homes. Here is our secret to keeping ants out of your Ocean Isle residence.
Common Ants In The Area
Here in Ocean Isle, there are 5 major species of ants known for causing trouble around homes. These species include acrobat ants, little black ants, Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Each of these ant species has its own habits, diet, and unique look. The one thing they all have in common is their love of scavenging food. When inside homes, ants search out sources of food that they can bring back to their colony. Typically this process starts with a single scouting ant but then turns into hundreds if a food source is found. If you do find a single ant wandering around in your home, do not kill it. Instead, pick it up and put it outside. Some ants release pheromones when squished that can attract other ants in mass numbers. If you squish an odorous house ant, you might find yourself turning your nose away from their unpleasant odor.
Problems Ants Cause
Not all species of ants are dangerous, however, some can track bacteria into your home. These ants are typically the ones that go trash diving for their meals. If you see ants going in and out of your trash and then across countertops and tables throughout your home, they could be spreading dangerous bacteria. Beyond this, ants in our area are harmless. They aren’t known to bite or sting humans and pose no direct medical risk.
The biggest problem ants cause is with how annoying and hard to get rid of they can be. If ants get into your home and find what they are looking for, getting rid of them can be nearly impossible. Unless you clean your home spotless and find a way to completely seal off any cracks or gaps they are using to get inside, you will have trouble fully solving your ant problems.
Prevention Tips For Ants
If ants have not already found their way into your Ocean Isle home, there are some things you can do to keep them away. Here are some prevention tips we recommend.
- Buy a caulking gun and use it to seal up gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Seal up gaps and openings around outlets and switch plates as well as door and window frames throughout your home.
- Repair loose or cracked floorboards.
- Make sure all of your window and door screens are rip and tear-free.
- Install door sweeps under all exterior doors of your home.
- Repair damage to your home’s exterior that might allow ants entry.
- Keep your home as clean as possible.
- Store leftover food inside airtight containers and do your best not to leave any food or beverages out for ants to find.
- Pick up and clean out pet food and water bowls before going to bed at night.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of And Keep Out Ants
If ants have gotten into your Ocean Isle home, or you are looking for a reliable way to keep them away for good, we have options for you here at Jay Taylor Exterminating. Our pest control is designed to quickly and proficiently remove and keep unwanted ants out of homes, and our team is highly trained to deal with pest infestations of all sizes and kinds.
Give us a call today for more information about our services, or to schedule your home to be treated for ants.