Commercial and Residential Pest Control Services | Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co., Inc.
Ants are one of the most common pests homeowners can find roaming around their property. Unfortunately, ants don’t always stay outside — they are known to migrate indoors. Once a handful of ants make their way inside, it doesn’t take long for an ant colony to form. But is there a certain time of year when an ant infestation is more likely?
There is no set in stone “ant season,” but ants are generally most active from March to October. Ants can thrive year-round, but certain months are more prone to heightened ant activity. Their behavior varies depending on the species of ant, but these pests tend to make their way indoors in the spring and summer months.
Ants emerge in the spring in response to a combination of factors, including warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. As temperatures rise in the summer, ants become more active and begin to search for food. They are also more likely to reproduce during this time, which can lead to an increase in the number of ants in a colony — and an increase of ants visible on your property.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean those are the months when you’re more likely to see them inside your home. As temperatures drop in late fall, ants may migrate indoors to avoid harsh winter weather. Unfortunately, ants are numerous and resourceful — you can experience an ant infestation at any time, and prevention is key.
Like all living things, ants seek food, shelter, and water, all of which are present in your home. While ant behavior may vary depending on the ant species, these pesky critters tend to establish themselves similarly across the board. When starting a new colony, ants in search of a suitable location will leave behind trails of pheromones for other members of their colony to follow. Once ant trails are established, more workers will follow and the colony will grow exponentially.
If you aren’t diligent about prevention, you may end up with an ant infestation. Take these steps before ant season is in full swing:
Seal any potential entry points. Ants are extremely tiny and can squeeze through the smallest crevices. By using caulk or putty, you can seal cracks and gaps ants may use to try to make your home theirs.
Store food properly. Ants are drawn to environments where food and water are readily available. If you don’t store food (including pet food!) in airtight containers, you may find ants crawling around contaminating anything they can get their hands on.
Schedule routine spraying. Monthly pest control treatments can help keep ant populations down. As an added bonus, most routine maintenance packages offered by pest control professionals also deter other harmful insect invaders.
If you suspect you have an ant problem, you may be tempted to turn to DIY ant treatments. But if they’re not used the right way, they won’t work as well, and can even be dangerous.
A vinegar barrier around the inside of the home is not as effective as store-bought pesticides, and can cause unsightly or permanent damage to wood floors, marble, and natural stone. Homemade ant traps containing borax and sugar can be as attractive and toxic to pets and children as it is to ants. Diatomaceous earth can cause respiratory distress and irritate the eyes due to its abrasive nature.
When it comes to eliminating ant invasions, addressing the source is crucial. Even if you keep your surfaces clean and lay traps, ants may still find ways to get inside if you don’t identify and resolve what’s allowing them access to your home. Pest control professionals are trained to identify how ants are getting inside and why which leads to better results, even in peak ant season.
Most store-bought or DIY pest control methods are less effective, last for less time, and pose more health risks to your home than professional pest control services.
No matter the time of the year, Dodson Pest Control is here to provide exceptional pest control services. Our highly-qualified inspectors are familiar with multiple species of ants, including pavement ants, carpenter ants, and the notoriously common odorous house ants. After identifying what species of ant has invaded your home, our exterminators will develop a custom plan to address your ant infestation.
