Ants are one of the most common and often most frustrating pest problems homeowners face. As the weather warms up, this problem is even more prevalent. What often starts as a few ants trailing across the kitchen counter quickly reveals itself to be a full-blown infestation, usually stemming from behind the walls or in cracks in window frames. If you find ants in your home, here are a few things you should know:

Why Ants Emerge as the Temperatures Rise

During the colder months, ants enter a dormant state called diapause. During this time, their metabolism slows tremendously, and they’re able to live off of stored energy reserves. As spring emerges and the temperatures begin to rise, ants experience a boost in metabolism. They leave their dormant state to begin foraging for food, establishing new nesting sites and expanding their colonies.

This becomes a problem for homeowners because ants find food sources and nesting sites inside homes. While their larger colonies generally stay mostly outdoors, ants also have no problem establishing themselves indoors, as well. Ants also travel back and forth between their colonies outside and their food sources and nests inside. This is usually why homeowners see ants trailing in kitchens, along baseboards and in other corners of the home.

Ant Species Homeowners Commonly See

Not all ants are the same. Each species has its own unique behaviors and problems they cause in people’s homes, including contaminating food or causing structural damage. Knowing the difference between them can help you determine how best to deal with them. Here are a few of the most common ant species homeowners run into:

• Odorous house ants: Among the most common ants in people’s homes, odorous house ants are small, dark ants that get their name from the unpleasant smell they release when crushed. They’re often found trailing countertops and baseboards in kitchens in search of food crumbs and sticky spills. These ants can contaminate food and are extremely hard to get rid of.
• Pavement ants: Another frequent visitor, pavement ants are small, blackish-brown ants that are typically found beneath pavement, sidewalks and foundations. While they primarily remain outdoors, they’ll readily venture inside in search of food. Pavement ants aren’t the most harmful insects, but they can contaminate food by tracking in bacteria from outside or from garbage.
• Carpenter ants: These larger ants don’t contaminate food, but they can cause serious damage to your home. They don’t feed on wood, but they do tunnel through it, weakening your home’s structure over time. These ants can cause expensive problems if left unaddressed.

How to Avoid an Ant Infestation

Ants, while tiny creatures, can cause huge headaches for homeowners, which makes prevention extremely important. You can protect your home from ants by taking a few simple steps, like sealing entry points, storing food in airtight containers, addressing moisture issues, and cleaning food or drink spills as soon as they happen. You should also keep trash secure and your lawn manicured to keep from attracting ants or providing them with easy access points.

What to Do If You Find Ants in Your Home

If you ants have already made their way into your home, there are a few steps you can take to address the problem. Start by trying to identify where they’re entering from and what they’re trailing toward. You can then try using store-bought ant bait. Ant bait contains a sweet substance with a slow-acting poison that ants bring back to their nests, effectively wiping them out. While this DIY method can provide a temporary solution, professional ant control is always recommended to address the root of the problem.

When to Call a Professional Ant Control Team

If you’re seeing large amounts of ants in your home and nothing you’re doing is helping, it’s time to call an ant control team for help. Professional technicians have the knowledge and tools needed to identify the species, locate the main colony and implement targeted treatments to eliminate the problem. For over 30 years, Pro-Staff has been helping people eliminate pest infestations and prevent them from returning. If ants have invaded your home, call the Omaha ant control experts at Pro-Staff at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.