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Ants are a common problem for St. Charles homeowners. There are currently over 100 different ant species that call Illinois home. If you notice an uptick in the number of ants in your home, you may need the help of a professional. At Pest Control Consultants, we have provided pest control in St. Charles for decades and know various techniques to get ants out of your home. Here is an in-depth look at what you need to do if you find ants in your home.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Home-Invading Ants
Many types of ants are in and around St. Charles. For the most part, many of the common ants in this area like to keep their distance from humans. However, there are a few different species that might make their way into your home. Here's a look at some types of ants you are most likely to see:
- Carpenter ants: Black carpenter ants are this area's most common type of ant. They usually have all-black bodies, but some have specs of red on their bodies as well. These ants are commonly mistaken for termites because they also invade wood. They travel in large colonies and can cause a lot of damage to your home or wooden structures in a short amount of time.
- Pavement ants: These ants are only about 1/3 of an inch long and have dark-brown or black bodies. True to their name, pavement ants are common around sidewalks, driveways, and other paved areas. They have also been known to live indoors and will usually build their nests near a ground-level concrete wall.
- Odorous house ants: These are the most common ants found in St. Charles homes. This ant has a sweet tooth and especially loves to snack on fruit like honeydew and other melons. They like to live outdoors but will quickly come inside your home if there is rain or other severe weather conditions.
- Pharaoh ants: Another common ant species found in this area, pharaoh ants live in large colonies, usually containing over 1,000 ants. They thrive in hot and humid temperatures and typically try to find shelter if the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees.
All of the ants common to the area live and travel in large groups. If you see any of these ants in your home, there's a good chance that you already have a full-blown ant infestation.
The Many Problems Ants Can Cause In Your Home
Ants may be tiny, but that does not stop them from causing big problems around your home.
All ants are filthy creatures that spend their days walking over old garbage, fecal matter, dead carcasses, and other unsanitary surfaces, picking up a wide range of harmful bacteria and viruses. Then if they walk over or around your food, they could spread the bacteria to you and your family. Some of the illnesses that ants spread to people include:
- E. coli infection
- Clostridium
- Streptococcus
- Staph infections
- Salmonellosis
Carpenter ants in your home could cause severe structural damage. These ants will devour any type of wood, which could lead to expensive repairs for you.
Five No-Nonsense Ant Prevention Tips For Around The House
Here is a look at five easy things that you can do to help keep ants out of your home:
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around the exterior of your home. Be sure to check for gaps around the windows and doors.
- Keep all dry food in airtight containers. Because ants love fruit, keeping all fresh produce in the refrigerator is also a good idea.
- Keep the grass in your yard cut short, and stack firewood away from your house.
- Check for any leaky faucets or pipes around your house. Also, be sure to clean up any water droplets that are left in your sink or around your countertops.
- Don't leave your pet's food out in the open.
Ants travel in large groups, so having just one ant in your home is extremely rare. If your home is attracting ants, you can expect hundreds in your home in a matter of days.
The Key To Total Ant Control For Your Home
Once ants have made their way into your St. Charles home, it can be challenging to get rid of them. At Pest Control Consultants, we have the skills and equipment to locate and eradicate all of the ants in your home. Call today for a free inspection.
