It is estimated that there are several billion ants on this Earth. If you have ever dealt with an ant infestation, it probably felt like most of the population was crawling around in your home. It can seem like you go from zero ants to thousands of ants in your home in a blink of an eye. These tiny insects are invasive and relentless once they find their way inside your home.
If you are dealing with ants in the Hudson Valley area, you will need the help of an experienced Westchester County pest control company to help you out. Luckily, the professionals at Parkway Pest Service know just what you need to do to get rid of ants in your home. Keep reading to learn the correct way to handle an ant infestation.
How To Identify An Ant Infestation In Your Home
Ants are small creatures that live in large colonies. Most species will travel in groups; you can usually find them traveling in one long, single-file line. However, you can also find one or two scout ants by themselves while they are out looking for food. Ants will build nests in the insulation behind your walls and other hard-to-reach areas and usually only come out when looking for food or water. If you see one or two ants crawling through your house, there is a good chance that you already have a large colony living in the deepest crevices of your home.
If you have carpenter ants in your home, you may see several signs that will alert you to their presence. This type of ant can use its strong jaws to "drill" holes in various wooden surfaces to build its nest inside the wood. Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites because they are also known for destroying wood. However, carpenter ants will make smooth holes in the wood, and termites will leave jagged and rough surfaces around the holes that they eat into the wood.
An Ant Infestation Is A Bigger Problem Than You May Think
Ants in Westchester County are not just annoying; they can also be dangerous as well. They can spread a wide range of harmful pathogens, which include salmonellosis, streptococcus, and E.coli infections.
If you have carpenter ants in your home, they could cause damage to your home or other wooden structure. At first, the carpenter ants will only cause minor cosmetic damage to your home. However, as their nest continues to grow, the wood they are living in will start to become more hollowed and out and more brittle. Over time, it could affect the structural integrity.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of An Ant Infestation
Do-it-yourself ant control almost always fails. To eliminate the ant infestation, you need to find what is causing ants in your home in the first place. The best way to eradicate an ant infestation is to call a professional home pest control specialist. They will be able to assess the situation and develop the best elimination plan to target the infestation's root cause.
Tips To Prevent Ants From Returning
If you want to prevent ants from coming back into your home, you can:
- Keep all food kept in sealed containers
- Keep your home tidy and clutter-free
- Seal any potential entrances around your home
If you are still struggling with ants around your Westchester County home, Parkway Pest Services is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.