Did you know that right now, America’s number one nuisance is busy invading homes across the country? Of course, I’m talking about ants! They are wily, persistent, and numerous. If left unchecked, they can cause a lot of problems! That’s why it’s no surprise consumers are concerned more about ants than any other pest.
This time of year ants are looking for ways to feed their colonies. That’s why storage areas and kitchens are attractive targets. But they can do more than raid your pantries. Some species have painful bites, and others can inflict substantial damage to your property.
These small creatures are capable of complex problem-solving strategies that could serve for optimization models in human organizations. Biologists have discovered individual scouts search in random directions but their behavior changes when other ants come on the scene. Effectively, order comes from chaos. This phenomenon happens in a surprisingly efficient manner. Now that scientists know about this phenomenon, they are trying to understand how it happens. Why? Ant behavior could help explain similar phenomena, like “why humans roam the internet” as they do.
The U.S. is home to more than 700 species of ants. Many of them can create huge colonies. Of all the ant species found in the U.S., carpenter ants pose the most risk for homeowners. These industrious insects excavate wood to build their nests. Their “tunnels” can compromise your home’s structural soundness.
When dealing with ants, the best offense is a good defense. The following preventative measures can really help avoid an infestation:
1. Practice “clean” habits –
- Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately
- Store garbage in sealed bags or containers
- Remove trash from your home frequently
2. Store items properly
- Close food packages completely, or seal them in air-tight containers –
- Limit the amount of time food is on your counter (or pet food is on the floor)
3. Maintain your place
- Repair holes and gaps in window and door screens
- Replace weather-stripping, seal cracks and holes, and repair loose mortar around the outside of your home
- Trim tree branches and shrubbery so they are well away from your house
Prevention is the key to an ant-free home, but sometimes it’s not enough. If you suspect ants are infesting your home, contact a licensed pest professional as soon as possible. Pest experts can inspect, identify and fix your problem. If you can not eliminate the problem on your own, KC Pest Control is here to help! Contact us for your free estimate.
