Meta Description: Ants are among the peskiest of pests to have in your house. You must find effective ways to permanently deal with them before it’s too late.
Ants are nature’s little “garbage men.” Having an infestation is an irritating and disgusting event. Not only are they a health risk to anyone allergic to their venom, but they also pose a danger to your property- in terms of costly repairs and food contamination.
Widespread invasion at the workplace could also lead to loss of business.
Getting rid of ants may, at times, prove to be a daunting task. And with more than 700 varying ant species in the US, carrying out effective ant control may, at times, require a specialist touch. They typically forage outside, but at times they make their way into homes and offices.
Why They Get into Your House
Like with any creature, ants require adequate sources of food and water for survival. By having dirt around the home, you are effectively inviting them to move in. Maintaining high sanitary levels in and around your home is a basic way of keeping most pests away.
Apart from ensuring that your kitchen is free of food crumbs, any form of vegetation around the home could act as a home for these insects. Any cracks and crannies on the walls or floors tend to attract ants along with other creatures. Try and seal them up once you come across them.
Signs of Infestation
- Large numbers of ants are a great indication of an infestation.
- Pathways on the ground left by the swarm.
- Anthills
- Piles of dirt around nests.
Getting Rid of Ants
There are numerous DIY options when it comes to dealing with these vermin. Sadly, not all of these products are effective at ridding yourself off ants. Considering a hive could house millions, any effort short of having professional help may prove futile.
Most pesticides affect other creatures apart from their intended target. Using the wrong pesticide could have unintended consequences, including the killing of beneficial insects such as bees and ladybirds. They could also lead to contamination of any drinkable water as well as food.
Why Get Professional Help
1. Get It Right the First Time
A certified exterminating contractor is more than capable of properly identifying the kind of ant(s) on your property. This way, they can recommend the right course of action. As a client, you get the opportunity to get rid of this nuisance ASAP.
A typical ant nest has a queen nested near the property. To ensure that the colony is effectively managed, the queen needs to be dealt with. She usually resides deep within the hive.
2. Savings
Armed with years of experience, professional help will save you money in the long run. By implementing the most effective tools and techniques, you don’t have to burn through your wallet to do so.
3. Less Headache
Imagine having hundreds of dollars’ worth of food-stuff being damaged because you opted for the short-cut and went with the DIY way. By leaving the experts to take care of your ant control needs, you save yourself the headache of wondering if you did it the right way.
4. Safety and Security
Certain types of ants tend to be quite aggressive. Red imported fire ants tend to be some of the most aggressive kinds. Their sting is accompanied by a sharp burning pain. Handling them without proper training is dangerous. It’s best to leave it to the experts.
Picking the Right Contractor
- Referrals: The easiest and most reliable way of hiring the right contractor starts with asking around for referrals.
- Online: Most businesses today have an online presence. Get several quotes and site visitations before settling on one.
What to Look For
- Certification: Is the company certified to carry out such a job? You can check their paperwork by calling the national pesticide information center.
- Value: Does the company offer any guarantee for their work? Are there any additional fees for clean-up?
- Safety: Is the contractor insured in case there is any damage to your house or personnel?
- Reputation: How good are they in terms of customer service? Are there any complaints lodged against the firm?
- Fees: Do they offer free site visits? Do you have to sign a long-term contract with them?
In a funny twist of fate, we need ants. They are predatory by nature, a characteristic that helps in dealing with other unwanted insects like cockroaches. Through foraging for food, they assist in the dispersal of native seeds throughout summer.
So, unless their numbers are significant, it might be a good idea to learn to leave with our tinny neighbors instead of seeking ant control. They do more good than harm in the end.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
