Did you know that on average there are 100 different species of bugs in an American home? If you want to learn about the signs of a pest infestation, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over when to call ant pest control and how best to prevent ants from infiltrating your home. You’ll know what to look out for by the end of this article.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. You Hear Noises in the Walls
Ants will slip through tiny cracks, so walls become commonplace where they hide. It’s hard to know for sure if there are ants in your home’s walls.
Some species of ants will prefer to live there compared to others. Odorous house ants and carpenter ants tend to be found in walls. Place your ear next to your wall. You may be able to hear ants rustling around.
Sometimes, people report hearing ants munching inside wooden structures. If you’re unsure about the sound, you could always call in a professional to check if there’s a pest infestation or not.
2. Did You Find a New Leak?
A leak can be a sign that there are carpenter ants in your home. Roof eaves, porches, windows, or decks are spots where carpenter ants like.
The wood tends to be damp in these areas, and ants will find it easier to eat this wood.
3. You Notice Sawdust Material
After ants burrow through wood, they will leave behind wood-shaving piles. Make sure you watch out for these sawdust-like material piles in your home.
If you notice these piles, you’ll need to call a pest control service.
4. You Saw an Ant
There are some massive ant species in the United States. The ants tend to range from ½ inch to ⅜ of an inch. Most of these larger ants are black. Yet, you might see some that are reddish or brown.
5. Get Rid Of Moist Wood
Carpenter ants love moist and rotted wood because that’s where they will make the nest. Make sure you get rid of any rotted wood near your home. This way, you can prevent an infestation from occurring.
6. Wooden Structures Crumble
You know you have a serious ant infestation if the wood crumbles after you touch it. Also, you might have a problem if you can cut the wood with a knife.
The wood may appear fine from the outside, but if the wood’s hollow-sounding, you have an ant problem.
You might end up having to replace the damaged wood. If the damage is quite extensive, make sure you talk to a professional. They can tell you how you can correct the damage the ants caused.
Don’t forget to check the different trees in your garden. Ants love to eat dead trees and set up their home there. If the rotten tree is near your home, the ants will easily migrate onto your property.
7. Visible Ant Trails
An ant colony is a complex ecosystem. There are special roles for ants that live within them. Scouts or worker ants will leave the colony and look for food.
After the worker ants leave the nest, they will lay pheromones down. The pheromones will help the worker ants find their way back.
Once the worker ant finds food, it will lay down more pheromones. The pheromones will alert the colony, who use the scent, to head back to the food source.
If you notice ant trails around your home, this means the ants are working hard.
8. Do You Notice Ant Nests?
If you see small piles of dirt showing up in the grass around your home, you could have an ant issue. Ant nests don’t always appear in the yard.
Yet, some ants will build their nests in walls or dark and quiet places.
You’ll also want to look for nest sites inside your home. Small piles of dirt are a sign of an infestation. If ants bring dirt inside your home, you may notice it near your baseboards.
Debris and dirt can collect, yet consistent buildup of dirt is a sign of a pest infestation.
What’s the Source of Ants?
Ants will slip into tiny cracks in your home. A standard room that people find ants in is the kitchen. Kitchens are an easy source of food for ants, but the kitchen sink is a water source.
Ants will look for other rooms that have excessive moisture. Carpenter ants will create nests in damp areas under sinks or below tiles.
You may see ants heading toward your living room, basement, bedrooms, or heating unit.
What Can You Do to Remove an Ant Infestation?
Make sure you clean your home regularly. Seal up food containers. Look for different entry points into your home, and make sure you seal these spots. This way, you will prevent ants from getting into your home.
You’ll also want to get a pest control service to come into your home and get rid of current infestations.
Consider a natural treatment like Diatomaceous Earth for Ants. A chemical-free alternative might be a better choice if you have pets or young children in your home.
Make Sure You Call Pest Control Services for Help
We hope this guide on when to call pest control was helpful. Look out for tiny piles of dirt near your baseboards or ant piles on your lawn.
Make sure you seal up entry points into your home. If you think you have a pest infestation, call a reputable pest control company.
Are you looking for more helpful tips? Check out the sections on home, real estate, and more.
