Dealing with Ants: How to Stop the Invasion for Good

Few things are more frustrating for homeowners than dealing with an ant infestation. These persistent pests can enter your home, following trails that lead them straight to your kitchen, bathrooms, and even into your walls. If you're dealing with an ant infestation, don’t worry — you're not alone. Ants are one of the most common household pests in America, and no home is completely safe. Keep reading to learn expert tips on ant control and ant elimination to help you keep these invaders out for good.

Common Ant Species: What to Look Out For

Some of the most common ant species that invade Massachusetts and New England homes include:

• Carpenter Ants: Known for causing damage to wooden structures. They can hollow out wood, creating extensive damage over time if not addressed.
• Pavement Ants: Often nest under sidewalks but invade homes in search of food. These ants are typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and walls.
• Pharaoh Ants: Known for spreading bacteria and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve established a colony.
• Small Black Ants: These ants form large indoor colonies and are typically seen in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Citronella Ants: Emit a lemon-like scent when crushed and are usually found outdoors.
• Allegheny Mound Ants: These ants build large mounds outdoors and may invade homes during the warmer months.

How to Prevent an Ant Invasion

Want to protect your home or business before you see ants? Here are some of the best things you can do to protect your home from an ant invasion:

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations: Ants can squeeze through the tiniest openings, so sealing these cracks will help keep them out.
• Keep food in airtight containers and clean up spills: Ants are attracted to food, so storing food properly and cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly will reduce their attraction to your home.
• Fix leaky pipes and eliminate moisture sources: Ants are attracted to water, so repairing leaks and ensuring there’s no standing water will deter them from entering your home.
• Trim vegetation near your home’s exterior: Ants often use trees and shrubs to access your home, so keeping vegetation trimmed will help keep ants away.

Why DIY Ant Control Often Falls Short

Many homeowners attempt DIY ant control with store-bought baits and sprays, but these solutions are short-lived. They may kill the visible ants, but they don’t reach hidden nests where the real problem lies. Here’s why DIY methods are often ineffective:

• Ineffective bait: Ants are picky eaters, and the bait might not be attractive enough to draw them away from their colony. Their nutrient preferences also change through the seasons.
• Incorrect placement: Ant baits need to be placed in specific areas, and many homeowners place them incorrectly, rendering them ineffective.
• Ant adaptability: Ants are resilient and can adapt to treatment methods quickly, which is why multiple approaches are often needed to completely eliminate them.

Why Professional Ant Elimination is Key

There are three main reasons professional ant exterminators beat out DIY every time:

1. Identifying the Right Target: Identifying the ants infesting your home or business is a crucial first step. Professional technicians like those at Ford’s Hometown Services have the expertise to identify and eliminate the most common ants in Massachusetts and New England, including:
2. Access to Better Materials: Pest professionals have access to materials that can only be purchased and applied by licensed, professional technicians. These unique formulas are far more effective than over-the-counter options, and they are specifically designed to target ants at the source.
3. Expert Advice. Expert technicians can provide guidance on why ants are getting inside your home and offer tips to keep them out. Often, there is a moisture issue indoors, or outdoors you may have overgrown vegetation that needs attention. By working with a professional, you can address the root cause of the infestation and prevent future problems.