Just as we come out of hibernation when the warm weather arrives, so do ants. And when they do, they are hungry and ready to invade your home to find food. Here are some tips on how to prepare for ant season and keep these pesky bugs from your home.
Ants in Bermuda
Knowing the species of ants that you're up against and observing their behaviors play a major part in defeating them. In Bermuda, the most common ant species you'll come across are Pavement ants and Argentine ants.
Pavement ants get their name because they make nests in or under cracks in pavements. Piles of dirt along a paved area is probably a sign of pavement ant activity.
They are about 1/8" in length and are dark brown to blackish in colour. These ants are voracious and will eat almost anything - from insects, seeds, bread, meats, nuts and cheese.
Argentine ants are typically light to dark brown in colour and range between 1/16" to 1/4" long. They emit a musty odor when crushed.
Argentine ants are a nuisance that will get into your food, or that of your pet. They prefer sweet or greasy foods, but will also eat meat, eggs, and even other insects.
Argentine ant colonies have multiple queens that can lay up to 60 eggs every day, and unlike other queens, leave the nest to build new colonies.
Although ant species can vary, the common link between them is their drive for food, which is their prime reason for invading homes, and why they are most often found in or around kitchens.
For both species, the most common sign of an ant infestation is seeing the noticeable trail of ants, often traveling up buildings, trees and into homes.
Ant Prevention
Like most pests, ants are attracted to moisture. To prevent ant infestations, eliminate standing water around the home by emptying flower pots, birdbaths, grill covers, and baby pools.
Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house, as these are sometimes used as bridges to get into your home. Ants will enter through cracks or small openings around the foundation of the home, so it's important to inspect your house and make sure any openings are sealed.
Remove yard waste regularly as these can serve as ideal nesting sites for ants.
Indoors, be sure to clean up food spills immediately, keep food stored in tightly sealed containers, and remove waste regularly.
Ant Control & Removal
DIY ant control and removal methods can be time-consuming and frustrating as their level of effectiveness vary based on the ant species. Unfortunately, ants are resilient, as they will often bounce-back after being eliminated because of their ability to easily reproduce.
For a reliable and effective method of ant control and removal, contact Eco Pest today. Our technicians will come in to identify the ant species and provide a tailored solution to eliminate them at the source.