A Comprehensive Guide To Ant Control In Grafton, MA
Ant Exterminator
With summer in full swing, the heat and humidity are bringing the inevitable pest problem right to your doorstep. Unwanted pests are a source of nuisance and frustration no matter the season. Ants, in particular, have a knack for infiltrating any crevices or cracks in your home, and can bring out the home owner’s worst fears. If you have an ant infestation in the town of Grafton, MA, don’t worry–F&W Pest Control is here to help. We have all the answers to your ant control related questions, so read on to get the information you need.
What Are Ants?
Ants are social insects that live in colonies. Their hierarchal society is structured into three classes: the queen, the workers, and the males. The queen ant lays eggs, the workers are the most active ants and will typically search for food, while the male ants will mate with the queen and protect the colony. As of now, there have been over 12,000 species of ants identified and classified, all of which vary in size, color, type, behavior, and habitat.
What Are The Different Types Of Ants?
In the Eastern United States, the most prevalent ant type is the carpenter ant. These ants often build their nests in wood and can destroy structures, such as wooden furniture and doors. In addition, carpenter ants are greater health threats since they’re known for carrying bacteria, like salmonella, into your home. Other pests that are common in MA include the odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, pavement ants, sugar ants, and more.
How Do I Identify Different Types Of Ants?
Since there can be numerous species of ants in the same area, it’s important identify which type of ant you’re dealing with prior to your control method. The two most easily identifiable features are the ant’s size and color. Carpenter ants are typically large with black or reddish-brown coloring. Pavement ants are usually smaller and black with faint streaks. Pharaoh ants can have either yellow or orange coloring and odorous house ants vary in color from brown to black. The different ant species can differ in anatomy and body structure, but careful examination should not be needed as long as you have a general idea of how the different ants look.
How Can I Tell If I Have An Infestation?
The most obvious indication is the appearance of ants themselves. If you notice multiple ants walking around, then it’s likely you have an infestation. You may also find liquid droppings near your food, your window and door sills, and other common entryways. Other signs of an infestation can be an unpleasant and rotten smell, damage to wooden furniture, and entry points for the ants such as cracks in walls and crevices in the house foundation.
What Are The Causes Of An Ant Infestation?
The obvious cause of an ant infestation is the presence of food. Ants have an advanced sense of smell and can spread quickly in search of food, especially in warmer climates. Ants are also attracted to scents, light sources, and the presence of water. If your house has inadequate sealing or poor insulation, then this could be a factor that is attracting ants.
How Can I Prevent An Ant Infestation?
The best way to prevent an ant infestation is to be proactive. Regularly inspect places around the perimeter of your home for any entry points or cracks ants can use to get inside. Also, keep all food stored in sealed containers or the refrigerator and make sure all your windows and doors are tightly shut. In addition, routinely clean up any mess such as spilled drinks or food crumbs. Finally, regularly moping or wiping down surfaces and counters will ensure there are no leftover food particles to attract the ants.
How Can I Get Rid of My Ant Infestation?
The most effective way to get rid of an ant infestation is to use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. An IPM method focuses on combining multiple forms of pest control for a complete solution. These methods can include a combination of monitoring, sanitation, trapping, baits, pesticides, and physical control. A licensed exterminator can provide the necessary steps and treatments needed to resolve the infestation.
F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your mosquitoes this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.
Pest Control Near Me
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!
