Don’t let their size fool you!

Even though they are tiny, ants can pose a big problem to a household or business. One reason is because of their military lifestyle. They are very methodical and coordinated in their way of living, and they are proof that there truly is power in numbers.

Below, we answer important questions about ant behavior that could impact your home and tips for dealing with an ant problem.

How do ants enter the home?

Because of their size, ants can enter through the smallest of entryways, whether a crack in the wall, or open window or door, and even hitching a ride on people and pets as they enter your home.

How big are ant colonies?

If you see one ant, you can count on hundreds of thousands more within close proximity. On average, ant colonies can grow up to as many as 500,000 members. Underground colonies grow up to 14 times that size, because ants build the colonies using a series of chambers that are connected to each other by tunnels. This is particularly common when a colony gets too crowded, as some of the ants will branch out, also called budding, to begin a new colony. Ants commonly known to branch out are fire ants, ghost ants, and pharaoh ants. The harvester ant is a common ant in the U.S. and its colonies grow to about 4,000 on average.

What’s the life cycle of an ant?

It would be nice if ants were seasonal, but that’s not the case. They begin as an egg and advance to larvae, then pupae, and finally the adult ant. Ants are lifelong problems because the queen can live as many as 15 years, and her team of workers can live up to seven years, on average. One reason their lifespan is so long is their ability to mobilize and relocate when the colony is threatened. Ants are relocation experts and can pack up and move in no time at all.

Where do ants usually build their colony?

Unfortunately, ants aren’t too picky about where they live. They can build a robust colony just about anywhere, from under the house foundation, to in the walls, in the ceilings, in closets, or out in the lawn. They do prefer areas where there is minimal traffic.

Let’s look at what you can do to keep your home ant free.

Schedule regular pest control. Do-it-yourself ant pest control is often very ineffective because it typically only kills the ants you see. It doesn’t address the more important issue of the colony, There is also no one-size-fits-all with ant pest control. Different types of ants require different pest control solutions.

Keep your home clean to remain ant free. Just like any pests, ants are out seeking food and they can go a long way on just a few morsels. It’s important to clean up areas where food is stored or eaten, such as your kitchen and dining areas. Wipe down counters and tables after meals and keep indoor garbage containers sealed with a cover/lid.

The team at EcoShield can help you live pest free. But, don’t just take our word for it, take it from one of our many happy customers.

Call today, for a free pest control consultation.