At first glance, ants may not seem like a lot of trouble, but controlling these pests can be challenging, especially for the types that are common to the Washington area. Washington homeowners frequently encounter five main types of ants on their properties.
- Odorous House Ants: These are the most common (and hard to control) ants you’ll find in your home as they’re drawn to moisture and sugar.
- Carpenter Ants: As the name suggests, carpenter ants like to make their homes in damaged, rotten wood, and they can cause significant structural damage to your home.
- Red Pavement Ants: These are the ants you frequently see outside on sidewalks. Red pavement ants tend to form destructive colonies under pavement and concrete areas, and while their bite isn’t dangerous, they can sting.
- Cow Killer Ants: Cow killer ants, also known as red velvet ants, are technically a type of wasp that’s attracted to moisture in your home. Cow killers can be a nuisance, and they won’t hesitate to bite or sting.
- Formica Ants: Formica ants’ main line of defense is spraying formic acid. These critters prefer to hide under stones or in the grass.
- Western Harvester Ants: Western harvester ants pack both a painful bite and sting.
Whether you’re dealing with common house ants, carpenter ants, or even western harvester ants, an ant problem won’t go away on its own – here’s what you need to know about getting rid of ant infestations and how to prevent these pests from coming back.
Why Are Ants So Hard To Get Rid Of?
Ants are one of the most common pest invaders for the Pacific Northwest during the summertime, and once they’ve made it inside your home, it’s hard to get them out. While some ants may get inside accidentally, many native ants venture inside because they’re looking for food and moisture.
House ants are the most common invader, and their colonies can easily grow into the thousands – which is why eliminating the infestation is so hard. When they find a source of food, they’ll form a line of ants from their entry point or colony to the nutrients. House ants may keep their colony outside in the grass or under pavement, and use tiny cracks or gaps to gain entrance into your home.
Carpenter ants, however, can be even trickier to find – they’ll build large nests in damaged or moist wood, which may not always be visible to homeowners.
While many homeowners may rely on OTC ant sprays to get rid of an infestation, these tactics are rarely effective – not only are many of these sprays potentially toxic for you and your pets, but they rarely get rid of the entire colony.
The Best Form Of Ant Control
Addressing an ant infestation requires the help of a professional like those of us at Alta Pest Control. Our ant control program includes low-impact treatment options that are easy on the environment, but harsh on your ant infestation.
If you’ve got an ant problem on your hands, call us to learn more about our ant control program or to schedule your free inspection.
How To Prevent Future Ant Infestations
While they may not help with active infestations, there are a few tips for keeping your home ant-free in the future:
- Seal any gaps, cracks, or tears in entrances that may be providing ants with access.
- Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal up tiny openings.
- Don’t allow leaky pipes and fixtures to go unrepaired.
- Keep sources of food, including pet food, sealed in airtight containers.
- Keep trash cans tightly sealed.
- Get rid of rotting or water-damaged wood that may be in or around your home.
However, if the above tips aren’t enough to deter some of Washington’s most challenging invaders, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alta Pest Control today!
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How Do You Get Rid of Crazy Ants?
Crazy ants, or Tawny crazy ants, or Rasberry crazy ants can be a nuisance when they infest your home or property. These tiny, reddish-brown ants earned their name due to their erratic and unpredictable movements. Eradicating crazy ants requires a comprehensive approach focusing on eliminating the existing colony and implementing preventive measures to deter future infestations. Here are some effective methods to get rid of crazy ants:
1. Identify and Locate the Nest
Locating the crazy ant nest is crucial for effective control. These ants often nest in moist and secluded areas such as mulch beds, tree trunks, or under rocks. Inspect your property to find their nesting sites, focusing on areas with high ant activity.
2. Remove Food and Water Sources
Crazy ants are attracted to food and water. Keep your kitchen clean, promptly wipe up spills, and store food in tightly sealed containers. Fix any leaks or sources of excess moisture to eliminate their water supply.
3. Use Bait Stations
Bait stations can be effective in controlling crazy ant populations. Place ant bait stations near high activity areas, ensuring children and pets are out of reach. The ants will return the bait to their colony, eventually eliminating the entire nest.
4. Apply Residual Insecticides
For persistent infestations, it may be necessary to use residual insecticides. Consult a professional pest control service to select the appropriate insecticide and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Treat areas where ants are nesting or trailing and potential entry points.
5. Seal Entry Points
Prevent future infestations by sealing cracks, gaps, or openings in your home's exterior. Pay attention to areas around windows, doors, and utility lines. Use caulk or weatherstripping to block potential entry points for crazy ants.
6. Trim Vegetation and Remove Debris
Crazy ants often travel along vegetation or debris, providing easy access to your home. Keep shrubs, trees, and other vegetation trimmed away from your house. Remove debris and clutter from your property, reducing potential hiding spots for the ants.
7. Seek Professional Help
If your crazy ant infestation persists or you prefer expert assistance, contacting a professional pest control service like Alta Pest Control is highly recommended. Our team of trained technicians has the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately. We can identify the most effective treatment methods tailored to your infestation and provide long-term solutions to eliminate crazy ants from your property.
By enlisting the help of our professional pest control services, you can benefit from our expertise in dealing with crazy ant infestations. We stay updated on the latest treatment techniques and utilize advanced tools to ensure effective eradication. Our comprehensive approach focuses on eliminating the existing colony and implementing preventive measures to prevent future infestations.
At Alta Pest Control, we are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring your complete satisfaction. Our goal is to create a pest-free environment for your home, allowing you to live comfortably without the nuisance of crazy ants. Contact us today and let our experts handle your crazy ant problem with our reliable pest control solutions.
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