Finding out what kind of infestations you have is the first step, as with most pest management procedures. In Collinsville, IL, there are numerous different species of ants, and each one has unique challenges. Carpenter , black , pungent , thief , and pharaoh ants are some of the most prevalent ant species in Collinsville, IL.
Know The Enemy
To identify the species of the infestation, an ant exterminator will first investigate your residence. The three most prevalent species of ants that need to be controlled at home are listed below.
Black Little Ant:
Although the queen can grow to be 2-3 times that size, small black ants are roughly 3.175mm in length. They are called black because of their color. Between their colony and supplies of food and water, little black ants frequently create straight lines. They typically eat the sweet honeydew that scales, mealybugs, and aphids leave behind when they feed on various plants. As a result, certain shrubs, rosebushes, and fruit trees may cause a minor black ant infestation.
But they’ll move inside to look for food and water. They may grow colonies behind brick facades, inside walls, or even under carpets.
Stinky House Ant:
Additionally, smelly house ants have a length of 3.175mm. Due to their inconsistent response to ant baits, stinky house ants can be difficult to eradicate. Finding the colony and treating it directly are frequent tasks for an ant exterminator. Odorous house ants commonly establish their colonies in potted plants, loose tree bark, mulch piles, and timber piles.
Carpenter Ant:
Some of the most dangerous indoor ants are carpenter ants. They are larger than ordinary house ants, with a maximum length of 15.875mm. Although they come in several colors, black is the most popular. The “honeydew” produced by aphids, scales, and mealybugs is the favored food of carpenter ants.
In the spring, colonies produce scouts known as “swarmers,” which are winged ants that fly out in search of locations to establish a new colony. The first indication of a carpenter ant infestation is swarmers. A carpenter ant colony is most likely what an ant control firm is dealing with if they see winged ants. Due to their dietary preferences and the existence of several sub-colonies, carpenter ant colonies are among the most difficult to eradicate.
Create a Strategy for Each Species
Once an ant exterminator knows what they’re up against, they’ll start planning how to get rid of the infestation. The measures will vary depending on the sort of ants you have, but here is a general outline:
Secure the perimeter
When dealing with an ant infestation, an ant control company will first ensure that your home’s exterior is thoroughly sealed. They’ll use caulk to seal all the doorways, thresholds, windows, and trim. Next, ant exterminators will build a barrier to prevent fresh ants from entering. Salt, talc, and even essential oils like peppermint can be effective ant barriers. Finally, an ant exterminator will eliminate probable food sources. They will move all your food away from the ground and put it in sealed containers.
The Inside Job
An ant control business will get rid of the ants inside your home once it has been sealed and secured against additional ants. Ant traps are the most used form of ant control. Ant traps or baits are available in gels, granules, or stations. Ant traps are often made of sugar or protein to target ants’ specific diets.
Certain ant species, however, can be resistant to ant traps. This means that an ant exterminator must directly treat the colony. To accomplish this, an ant exterminator will trace ant trails back to their origin. They will next use a residual repellent dust to treat the colony. If the colony is hidden behind a wall, the ant control firm may need to drill small holes and use a bulb duster to distribute residual repellant dust straight to the colony.
Preventing An Infestation
The simplest approach to manage an ant infestation is to prevent it from happening. An ant colony will normally relocate indoors for only a few reasons. They are often hunting for food and water. Ants may seek refuge within your home if the outside environment is unwelcoming.
Combined, these steps provide a highly successful ant control technique. It almost certainly will exterminate the infestation in your home. Seeking expert ant services from IMEL Pest Control for your Collinsville, IL property is a surefire method to keep your home ant-free all year long, allowing you to live your life in peace. Give IMEL Pest Control a Call Today to get started.
