We get a ton of calls for ant control this time of year. The end of summer is when ant populations are at a maximum and those ants are still active. That means home infestations are more likely. Here are some quick ways to identify what ants are invading your New York property, and some prevention tips to keep them out of your home.
"What type of ants do we have in New York State?"
Carpenter ants, acrobat ants, pavement ants, odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, and citronella ants.
"What are these black ants?"
It is important to know whether or not the ants on your property or in your home are carpenter ants. There are a couple of ants that can be confused for carpenter ants. Here are a few quick ways to tell if yours are carpenter ants.
They will be ¼ to ½ in. in size.
They will be mostly or all black, with some reddish tint to their coloring.
They will have what looks like a tiny body part between their chest (thorax) and their hind quarter (abdomen).
"What are these yellow ants?"
If the ants you are finding are yellowish in color, you have citronella ants or pharaoh ants. Citronella ants are smaller than pharaoh ants and they give off a citrus smell when you squish them. It is important to figure out which of these two ants you have because pharaoh ants are much more disruptive and difficult to control.
"How do I keep ants out of my New York home?"
Having a professional remove ant colonies in your yard and put a chemical barrier on your perimeter and foundation is the best way to keep all ants out, but here are some things you can do to resist any intruders.
Seal any cracks you find in your basement walls.
Seal around pipes, outlets, air conditioning units and other objects that pass through your walls.
Check all your weather stripping, door sweeps and screens. Make sure everything is in good working order.
Use a dehumidifier in your basement or other areas that have moisture. If ants get in, you want them to find it dry in your home.
Seal food sources.
Keep things clean.
Put food down for your pets only during meal times.
Now is the time to seal things up and hide the food. If you need help getting rid of ant colonies in your yard or in your walls, give us a call. Thomas Pest Services has taken home the Angie's List Super Service Award for the last two years. We have a track record for making customers happy and we know how to fix pest problems fast. We would love an opportunity to fix yours.