What Are Some Ways to Get Rid of Ants?

What Are Some Ways to Get Rid of Ants?

Getting rid of ants within Canada is almost becoming second nature to homeowners. Ants live their lives inside of colonies, which allows the insects to work together to mark their individual territories and thrive. Unlike some types of pests, ants generally do not feel the need to hide from human beings or outdoor animals. The ant has a one-track mind and will stop at nothing to achieve whatever goal it is currently in the process of performing. Warning signs for ant infestations typically follow the same set of patterns and any discovery of these patterns should result in a consultation with an ant exterminator in Hamilton. Knocking out an ant colony is very difficult with the limited resources available for DIY attempts. The removal of ants from a home can be remembered in the following essential steps:

  1. Identify
  2. Treat
  3. Prevent

Ants do not hide; this means you will likely see them going about their routine within your home. Ants are always on the hunt for food and moisture. Any food will need to be kept inside of the refrigerator or sealed inside of air-tight containers if any visible signs of ants are spotted. Ants will typically swarm food bits or puddles of sticky liquids; if you see any of these examples, this likely means an infestation is underway. Ants will also converge on pet bowls for food and water. You will likely see a trail of worker ants leading up to pet bowls and you can follow the trail to try and find where the source of the colony is located.

Often enough, people will generally find ants just walking around freely. Finding stray ants foraging for food like this does not necessarily mean that an infestation is present, but it could mean that an infestation is underway. If you repeatedly notice stray ants at various places throughout your home, an infestation is present and is currently at capacity, if that is the case, check all areas of plants inside of the home and immediately outside the home for a possible colony. You will typically only find carpenter ant nests inside of your home, which can be discovered by searching for carpenter ant frass in or near wooden structures.

Treatment procedures are complex based upon the type of ant. Carpenter ants can be extremely difficult to get rid of due to their burrowing nature. Other ants may simply form colonies outside and send lines of soldiers indoors to scour for food and liquid residue. Pest control professionals are the best method for eradicating ants from your home or the exterior areas of your home. Exterminators will use a mixture of insecticides and prevention techniques with possible residuals to ensure the ants stay away for elongated periods of time. It will take some effort on your part to keep food and spills cleaned up and stored at all times to prevent igniting attractants to draw the ants to your home.