Birmingham is home to different ant species that can invade our homes any time of year, but especially during warmer months. There, they will forage for food, particularly sweet substances like cake crumbs and juice spills, and build nests to grow their colony. But because they are unsanitary and can sometimes inflict painful bites or stings, eliminating them and preventing future invasions is paramount.
This blog on ant control in Birmingham will cover everything you need to understand these common household pests. You will learn the signs of an ant infestation and the typical behaviors of these unwanted guests. You will also discover the most effective ways to remove an intrusion and keep it at bay with the professional advice of Havard Pest Control.
Step One: Know The Signs Of An Ant Infestation
Recognizing the signs of an ant infestation is essential to tackling it in its early stages. Keep an eye out for trails of ants around your kitchen, in your pantry, or along baseboards. They typically indicate their foraging paths. You might see them most around pet food bowls, trash cans, or kitchen counters.
Also, look for ant nests outside or inside cracks in the structure of your home. If you see tiny piles of soil or debris indoors, it could point to vulnerabilities that might let them in. Still, if the debris turns out to be sawdust or wood shavings, be aware that it could mean a carpenter ant infestation is hard at work turning your support beams into Swiss cheese.
Finally, scattered wings are another common clue if swarmers are on your property. And ant hills outside could mean fire ants are taking over.
Detecting an ant infestation is easier with proper training. To better identify the behaviors of these tiny pests, read on to learn about them.
Step Two: Understand The Behaviors Of Common Ant Species In Birmingham
There are several types of ants in Birmingham, each with different behaviors. Here's some valuable information about the most common ones:
- Carpenter ants: These large ants are typically black or red. They nest in wood, where they excavate galleries to grow their colonies. While they prefer damp and decaying wood, any wooden structure is fair game to them. Sawdust piles near their nests and rustling sounds inside your walls are clues these wood-destroying pests might be in your house.
- Odorous house ants: You can tell you have odorous house ants in your house if you notice a rotten coconut smell when you crush them. They love sugary foods and moisture. You will often find their nests in wall voids or under the flooring.
- Little black ants: This species prefers to nest in moist places like soil and wood. They also favor taking over pantries in search of sweets and proteins. They are common kitchen invaders.
- Pavement ants: These tiny pests will nest under concrete slabs and driveways, but they can also enter our homes to look for food and warmth.
Understanding what drives these unwanted scavengers is only part of the puzzle. The best way to eliminate them is to work with a team of professionals.
Step Three: Call The Experts For Total Ant Control
When faced with an ant infestation, the wisest course of action is to invest in professional ant control services. Our licensed specialists will inspect your property inside and out to find the factors that led to your issue and develop a customized plan based on the severity of your situation.
We will recommend the best products for your needs and provide advice like sanitation and repairs to minimize future ant activity. With Havard Pest Control's help, you will enjoy thorough, long-lasting results and keep your family safe.
Step Four: Be Proactive In Preventing Future Infestations
The final step in preventing ant infestations is to remain proactive and vigilant. We always recommend ant prevention tips to our customers, like sealing any entry points that could allow tiny invaders like ants and spiders to enter your home.
Keeping your home clean is also paramount. Sweep your floors nightly and wipe down countertops daily to reduce attractants. Using airtight containers and keeping ripe fruits in the fridge can go a long way in depriving ants of easily accessed food. Frequently take out the trash to minimize odors that could draw ants to your property.
Finally, repairing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation in your basement and crawl space is paramount to keeping your home pest-free. Remember, many factors that attract ants are magnets for other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and rodents.
Havard Pest Control provides top-rated ant removal services in Birmingham. Let us take care of your infestation today so you can enjoy a clean and comfortable home again without delay.