Ant Infestations and the Need for Ant Pest Control Service

Mention the term ‘infestation’ and most people are likely to think of pests like termites, roaches, or rodents. Surprisingly, not many people think of ants as a serious problem. Ask any ant pest control service company, however, and they could likely tell you story after story of ant infestations. 

The Problem with Ants

One of the reasons why ants escape most people’s ‘pest radar’ is that they are not as dangerous as wasps or hornets and they are not known to carry diseases like rodents. It does not, however, mean that an ant infestation is something you can afford to take lightly. 

Ants pose a three-fold problem to your household

Firstly, they are a nuisance. You can find rows and rows of them crawling in your kitchen or pantry in search of crumbs of food that they could feast on. It is not an appealing sight and it could get even worse if some of them end up in your breakfast cereal, sugar, or any food item that is not stored in an airtight container. 

Secondly, some species of ants – like fire ants – can bite you. While the bite is not as painful as that of a bee, wasp, or hornet, it still stings and itches like crazy. It can be particularly bad for small children. 

Thirdly, some species of ants – like carpenter ants – can cause structural damage. They usually chew through wood, which is already softened and weakened due to moisture, to build their nests. It could be a window, door, or a wall void, but they will burrow their way into any type of lumber that is not strong enough to withstand them. 

Signs and Symptoms

Ant infestations, thankfully, are one of the easiest to spot. Ants usually come to your place in search of food and can be found in the kitchen. Even if they have made their nest elsewhere, like in the case of carpenter ants, you can track the ant trail to find out where they are hiding. It is also a good idea to closely inspect your attic and crawl space on a regular basis to make sure they do not become a breeding ground for ants and other pests. 

The Need for Ant Pest Control Service Providers

One of the problems with an ant infestation is that it is very difficult to get rid off without professional help. There are no sticky traps that you can set to catch an army of ants. The over-the-counter DIY ant treatment solutions usually contain hazardous chemicals, so you cannot just sprinkle them liberally in your kitchen or pantry. Moreover, you can never be sure with an ant infestation, because it is next to impossible to get rid of every last ant using DIY measures. They are too small and crafty and they usually manage to find a way to get back into their hiding nest again. 

How an Ant Pest Control Service Company Can Help You

Pest control companies devise a plan to get rid of ant infestations based on a number of factors like the species of ants that have infested your place, the location of their nest, and the extent of infestation. Many of the companies these days offer environment friendly ant control solutions, which is always a good thing. 

Pest control companies also make sure their treatments are child and pet friendly, which is another important reason you should always opt for professional pest control services rather than depending on DIY solutions. Over-the-counter ant poisons contain chemicals that could be dangerous for pets and small children, if they come into contact with them. Professional solutions, on the other hand, are completely safe. 

Once the treatment is over, pest control experts also seal up the entry points in your home to prevent further infestations in the future. They also offer you expert advice as to how you can generally keep your place clean and free of pests. 

If you have an ant problem in your place, you should get in touch with a professional ant pest control service company right away. The company, after visiting and inspecting your place and the extent of the infestation, will give you a quote. Most companies these days offer free consultations, especially for first-time clients. So, you should have no problem finding a pest control specialist who meets your budget and expectations.