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The Secret To Keeping Ants Out Of Your St. Charles Home


September 23, 2022

Ants are nuisance pests for invading picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor activities. Ants also will enter homes seeking food, sometimes in large groups. They have a segmented body with a thin and distinguishable "waist" that links the abdomen and thorax.

Are you wondering how can I get rid of ants? Avoid making the mistake of trying the various do-it-yourself home pest control options sold in local home improvement stores. Many of these traps, aerosol sprays, and other products create only short-term results that prove insufficient against well-developed infestations.

Further, these store-bought options might contain harsh chemicals that worsen indoor air quality and pose other safety concerns. The qualified professionals with a St. Charles pest control company receive training on how to eliminate ants and how to stop ants from coming into your home. 

ants eating cake

Types Of Ants That Commonly Invade St. Charles Homes

Nearly 1,000 different ant species exist throughout the U.S. In the St. Charles region; homeowners typically encounter several common species. Pavement ants appear either dark brown or black and commonly create underground nests along driveways and walkways in residential areas. The odorous house ant measures only about 1/8 of an inch long and is aptly named as they emit a foul odor when crushed.

Pharaoh ants are among the smallest species, appear in shades of yellow, red, or brown, and commonly move indoors. Carpenter ants are a unique species that erodes wooden structures to form nests, which can be problematic for homeowners.

Why You Don't Want Ants Crawling Around Your House

Ant colonies near your home have large numbers of worker ants actively foraging for food sources. Using their small body, ants may infiltrate your home through tiny openings. When these pests locate a food source, what is initially a minor intrusion often progresses into a full-scale infestation.

Part of why ant invasions rapidly escalate involves pheromone chemicals that these creatures produce, which serve as a means of communication with other colony members. The foraging ants leave a "trail" of pheromones that the others will detect and follow. The result is that droves of ants emerge, creating a potentially unmanageable situation. Therefore, homeowners must take immediate action to remove the existing ants and thoroughly clean the areas so that no residue trace of pheromones remains.

Ants also may transmit pathogens associated with food-borne diseases such as salmonellosis, E. coli, and other health-related concerns. Based on the potential magnitude of infestations and known health risks involving ants, property owners in St. Charles should contact an experienced provider of residential pest control services when these problems arise.

Four Tips To Prevent Future Ant Infestations

People should consider removing any attractants and implementing some exclusionary measures that will reduce many of the possible points of entry. Four of the best ant prevention tips include:

  1. Keep kitchen areas clean by regularly sweeping crumbs, wiping down countertops, and promptly placing leftovers in the refrigerator or sealed containers.
  2. Properly manage trash containing food scraps by placing bags in durable receptacles with functional lids. 
  3. Limit entry points by repairing damaged screens and filling cracks with caulk or sealant.
  4. Remove any unnecessary clutter or debris from the yard area near the home and keep vegetation trimmed back away from the exterior of the structure. 

Although these preventative measures are often effective, a licensed pest control professional best handles existing ant infestations.

The Most Successful Way To Get Rid Of Ants In Your Home

The team of professionals with Pest Control Consultants knows what to use to get rid of ants and how to prevent ants from returning.
We will deploy a technician that performs a detailed property inspection and propose the best options for treatment. Contact our office today for a consultation. 

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