Ant Problems

Ant Problems
Wet spring means more ants heading inside--here's how to deal with them.

Plenty of precipitation is a good thing for lawns and gardens. But it could also mean trouble with ants. Ant colonies flee into houses when the ground gets wet. Suburban pest control companies are noticing an uptick in ant-related calls. Research has shown bait gels and granular products ants carry back to their colonies, which in turn destroys the problem at its source, are the best ways to eliminate ants. Sprays spread pesticides in the house and may not solve the problem.

Carpenter Ants: Dull black ants, which can grow up to three-fourths of an inch, dig into damp wood, often near leaking pipes or inadequately sealed windows, They don't eat wood but rather forage human food and insects. The ants burrow into door frames, wall voids and foam insulation. It's important to deal with them swiftly and completely.

Pavement and odorous ants: These two species, especially, move inside during rains. The pavement ant is dark brown and about one-sixth of an inch long. The odorous ant releases an ammonia-type scent when crushed. Both are the easiest type of ant to eliminate by properly sealing windows and cracks in a house's foundation with caulk.

Pharaoh and ghost ants: These species still make it into houses, many times through indoor plants bought at garden centers. Pharaoh ants are yellowish brown and one of the few types that can sting, while ghost ants are defined by a dark head and translucent legs and body. Seeking a professional to help rid houses of an infestation of these species.