Ants Types In And Around Delaware

YOUR DELAWARE ANT EXTERMINATOR

Integrity Pest Solutions would be happy to help get your ant infestation under control with a detailed inspection proper identification of the ant type and a pest control plan designed around the inspection findings and your pest control service needs. Solutions to ant infestations and getting rid of ants in the home are not always simple and our technicians are trained on the habits, routines and nature of ants and other pests to offer an effective and comprehensive service and treatment program.   

ANTS IN THE HOME

Locating the nest or nests is essential to properly treat ant infestations. Ants are commonly found in foundation walls, inside walls, under flooring, in insulation, and behind kitchen cabinets. Nests may be located inside and outside of the home. They inhabit every continent on earth except Antarctica, are social, and are one of the most common pests found in a home. Some ants, in particular the odorous house ant and pharaoh ant, will split or bud into additional, separate colonies either naturally due to the large size of the colony or when they feel threatened. However, depending on the species of the ant, they have different preferences and, more importantly, different treatment management methods. Some ants prefer sugar and carbs; some like protein; some want greasy and oily foods; some even change their diet depending on the time of the year. 

GET RID OF ANTS

The best defense against ants is to keep your home free of food crumbs, spoiling fruits, grease and remove trash cans and dirty dishes regularly. These will attract ants into your home that are foraging for food. Also, elimination of damp areas and possible easy entry points to your home may deter ants from entering in the first place. Outside harborage areas should also be eliminated, such as trees and bushes that are near the house. Tree limbs and branches touching or near the roof, as well as bushes & shrubbery in contact with the home are common entry areas for ants into the home.

ODOROUS HOUSE ANTS IN DELAWARE

Odorous House Ants are a common ant in found homes. Odorous House ants are one of the more difficult ant types to control and get rid of once established. These ants are most often identified by their smell when crushed, and their size of approximately 1/8 inch long, with one node under their abdomen.  Odorous House Ants nest both inside of the home and outside and may have multiple colonies and queens. Due to their ability to have several nests at different locations, as well as live hidden in walls, floors, crawlspaces and attics, elimination of these pests can be challenging.  Improper treatments and do it yourself methods may also cause an odorous house ant infestation to worsen. 

CARPENTER ANTS IN DELAWARE

Carpenters ants, usually larger than many other ants, can cause significant damage to a home or business. Though their damage is not considered as devastating as termites, they can cause considerable damage when left undiscovered or untreated. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood; they tunnel in the wood to build their nests. Over time, their population and nest grow, and they will expand through the wood, causing increased damage. 

Carpenter Ants are common across the United States, including Sussex and Kent Counties, and are most likely to be seen during the spring or fall season. Outside, Carpenter Ants live in wooded areas in trees and stumps, making homes near forests and woods more vulnerable to potential Carpenter Ant activity. A sign of a Carpenter Ant infestation may include seeing a flying ant, noticing large black ants, or finding holes in wood; however, Carpenter Ants can often go unnoticed. Other signs of Carpenter Ant activity may be shavings under the Carpenter Ant entry holes from the tunneling. Carpenter Ants will push out the shavings to keep the tunnel areas clean and clear. Carpenter Ants are also usually seen in the dark of night when they are most active and are foraging for food. 

DO IT YOURSELF PEST CONTROL FOR ANTS

Do It yourself methods for ants and attempting to treat ants on your own may only cause ants to scatter and potentially start sub-colonies or build nests throughout your home, making the infestation worse and harder to control. Also, over the counter products that are commonly sprayed may work only on the ants that you see, not the entire colony. Many times, do it yourself control methods offer only temporary relief from an ant infestation and are ineffective at the elimination of the ant colony or colonies.

ANT PEST CONTROL SERVICE IN DELAWARE

Proper Identification, nest site location, queen ant elimination, and proper treatment procedures by our trained technicians are key to eliminating your ant infestation. Because ants are often a reoccurring visitor to the perfect, suitable location, a year-round preventative maintenance program may be recommended to keep them from returning. Integrity Pest Solutions offers both one time services to treat the ants specifically, as well as year-long preventative maintenance programs, to manage the ants entrance into your home before it happens.  Targeted treatments for Carpenter Ants are also available. 

TIPS: Keep counter tops, stoves, and other areas clean of sugar, grease, and dirty dishes.  Sugary foods will lure scout ants to your home.

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