Local pest control businesses have seen an increase in ant extermination requests in the past several weeks, mostly attributable t...
Case Studies
Ruth Foster imagined someone slowly dragging a black string across the counter in her kitchen. However, upon closer inspection, this black string transformed into hundreds of crawling ants.
Whether it's through the kitchen, the pantry, the bathroom or the entryway, the dreaded ant trail is a common sight for many homeowners this time of year. Along with being a nuisance, ants can be difficult to get rid of without the proper products and education.
Mrs. Foster decided to turn to the professionals.
Pest control establishments say that business has picked up in the past few weeks, with ants as the No. 1 call. "We receive 25 to 30 calls a week for ant problems," said Steve Anderson of SDA Pest Control. "Ants are by far the worst thing in Cambridgeshire right now."
Ants seem to get worse every year, and many attribute part of the boom to the increase in wet weather. Rainy weather and moist ground create ideal conditions for ant nests. Ants usually enter homes for one reason – food.
"Ants forage," Steve said. "They look for food all the time and when they find food they will leave a trail leading back to the nest."
Finding the nest is the most effective treatment. It's not only about killing the ants in the home, but outside the home as well. 95 percent of ants found in the house originate from nests outside.
Homeowners often think that if they get rid of ants in the home others won't come. Sprays and traps can be effective for ants already in the home, but will not kill the ones outside the home. Baits that the ants can carry back to the nest are one of the best things to use.
Pest control professionals agree that practicing basic cleanliness can be the best step toward prevention. Proper storage of animal feed and food products is key. Kitchens should be cleaned immediately and thoroughly after food preparation. Besides basic sanitation and cleanliness, residents can practice proper gardening methods as well.
Outdoor gardening habits are a main cause in the rise in ants. Ants often build nests under mulch, bushes, stones, rocks and bricks because of the moisture.
The problem can be prevented by keeping gardens away from the house, or at least separated. Raking up old mulch before piling on new can help as well.
Even with good habits, ants will sometimes find a way in regardless.
Mrs. Foster, who keeps her house clean, couldn't figure out what she was doing wrong. For now, she will wait and hope the professional treatment will finally rid her of the pesky ants.
Article provided by SDA Pest Control