Why Ants Invade North Augusta Homes

July 15, 2021

Ants are one of the most common pests that American homeowners face. While lots of folks choose to deal with ant problems on their own using store-bought baits and sprays, these industrious pests aren’t always so easy to get rid of. But what attracts these bugs to your property in the first place? Here’s what you need to know about ants in North Augusta homes.

Types Of Ants In North Augusta 

There is no shortage of ants in North Augusta. Multiple ant species call the area home, each presenting their own set of problems for homeowners. Ants that typically invade North Augusta homes are:

• Fire ants – Infamous for their painful sting and tendency to swarm their victims, aggressive fire ants are reddish-brown in color and generally measure about 1/4 inch in length.

• Pharaoh ants – Tiny pharaoh ants measure 1/16 of an inch or less and have a pale yellow color. They are known to contaminate sterile areas and are known to be attracted to open wounds.

• Carpenter ants – As their name suggests, these ants make their home in wood. At 1/2 inch in length or longer, these ants are particularly large.

• Pavement ants – Prevalent throughout the U.S., pavement ants measure about 1/8 inch in length and are dark brown or black in color. They are often found nesting in cracks of pavement or in masonry. 

What Attracts Ants?

Like all living things, ants are motivated by food and water. Finding reliable food and water sources can cause ants to invade your home, and all they need is a small crack or gap to crawl in. Depending on the species, ants may be more attracted to sugary, greasy, or protein-rich substances — though some, like pavement ants, are not picky about their meals and may even feed on other insects. Standing water and dripping pipes can also attract ants.

Ants can enter the home through cracks in the foundation of your home, cracks and gaps around damaged windows and doors, as well as under damaged weather stripping and door sweeps. 

Ant Prevention Tips

Ants can be tough to get rid of. Because of their tiny size, they can slip in and out of your home without much resistance. Not to mention, some ants may engage in a behavior called “budding” in which smaller colonies develop around the main colony, making total extermination more difficult. So, to prevent ant infestations or to make sure any current infestations don’t get worse, it’s important to engage in ant prevention tactics like:

• Seal up entrances: Examine the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps in siding or in the foundation and seal with silicone caulk. If you have damaged or faulty weather stripping and door sweeps, be sure to replace them.

• Store food securely: Keep perishable pantry foods stored in sturdy plastic containers with locking lids. Try glass or metal containers for added protection against pest rodents.

• Address excess moisture: Dump out standing water in pet bowls, birdbaths, or empty flower pots. Fix leaking plumbing and ensure that drains and gutters are flowing clearly without blockages.

• Dispose of trash properly: Be sure to take out the trash often and to put all waste in trash bags to prevent food residue from building within trash barrels. Rinse out recyclable food and beverage containers before disposal. Try to keep trash and recycling at least 20 feet away from your home.

If you’ve got ants in North Augusta, call the experts at Jury Pest Services for the help you need. Using our 5-Zone Home Pest Control Process, our residential pest control plans are designed to eliminate ants and other common pests and provide maximum protection against future infestations. Get in touch with us today.

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