Ants are the most commonly seen pests in homes all over the world. They can often be seen carrying food scraps or crumbs, which can make them a nuisance to deal with. However, an ant infestation is much more alarming than just a few ants on your kitchen counter. These pesky insects can destroy property, cause damage to food, and cause structural damage if left unchecked. So how do you know if you have an ant infestation in your home? Here are five signs to look out for.
Ant Trails
Ant trails are typically the initial indicator of an ant infestation. These resourceful insects leave behind a pheromone trail upon discovering a food source, enabling their fellow ants to effortlessly follow suit. You may notice a line of ants walking one way and another line going the opposite way - this is usually a sign of an ant trail. Check for these trails frequently to see where the ants are coming from.
Presence of Ants
While this may seem like an obvious one, it’s important to understand the difference between a few random ants and an entire colony. If you notice just one or two ants, you may not have a full-blown ant infestation. However, if you see a large number of ants congregating in one area, you may have a problem.
Dead Ants
Another sign of an ant infestation is the presence of dead ants. As an ant colony grows, some ants will die naturally and will need to be removed from the colony. If you notice a significant amount of dead ants in your home, it is likely that you have a large colony living in your home.
Ant Nests
Ants often create nests in damp or moist areas like behind walls, in crawl spaces, or in the corners of rooms. These nests can usually be located by looking for small piles of dirt, sawdust, or bits of insulation. If you find a nest, it is important to remove it as soon as possible.
Rustling Sounds
While this may not be noticed by the majority of homeowners, rustling sounds can be a sign of an ant infestation. Ants can be very active at night, and if you hear rustling sounds coming from inside your walls, it is likely that ants are on the move.
If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. While there are a number of DIY remedies to get rid of ants, a professional pest control service is often the best solution for an infestation. Contact an ant control today to schedule an appointment and get started on eliminating those pesky ants once and for all.
To learn more about ant control, contact a pest control company near you.
Most pest infestations can quickly get out of hand if you do not address them. There is a reason people joke about "breeding like mice." You can go from having two mice in your home to having hundreds in a matter of weeks! When you think there are pests inside your home, you need to take control, and quickly. You take control by calling in a pest control professional. They can use a combination of trapping, poisoning, and cleanup methods to eradicate the pests. Learn more about these methods and about other pest control topics on this website, created to educate people like you about the pest control industry.