Spring and Summer Ant Prevention Steps for New York Residents
There are over 10,000 species of ants in the world. That’s a lot of ants! It’s no wonder so many people experience ant invasions. There are numerous ant species right here in New York alone, and it's during this time of year that they spring up around homes and lawns. Watch out for ants in your home this season, as their activity will increase as the weather warms.
The most common ants we see are:
- Acrobat ants.
- Carpenter ants.
- Citronella ants.
- Odorous house ants.
- Pavement ants.
- Pharaoh ants.
One of the problems with ant invasions is that they come in large numbers.
Ants live in colonies where the work is divided among members. A colony can range in number from thousands to even millions (in some species) of ants. Year after year the colony's population will grow. Once it reaches a certain age, the colony then sends out members to create new colonies around them.
You can see why even having ants around your property could potentially lead to an infestation if your home isn’t protected. The threat ants pose depends on the type of ant you’re dealing with. For example, carpenter ants eat the wooden structures of your home, while pharaoh ants can spread bacteria and illnesses. It can be helpful to know which type of ants are inside your home to understand the kind of threat you’re dealing with. However, no matter which type you're facing, it’s important to eradicate them as soon as you can. All ants have the potential to damage and contaminate food supplies.
Prevention is always the optimal goal. Here are some tips for New York homeowners for this spring and summer:
- Place screens in all windows.
- Inspect the exterior foundation of your home. Seal all cracks.
- Seal any openings found around doors and windows.
- Trim bushes and trees away from the home.
- Create a 2-foot buffer around the perimeter of your home.
- Clean up debris in your yard, including piles of leaves and areas where rainwater may accumulate.
- Repair leaks.
- Take out your trash frequently.
- Clean up spills and crumbs inside your home immediately to prevent supplying a food source.
If you are having a hard time
keeping ants out of your New York home, don’t hesitate to contact Thomas Pest Services. We’re experienced in eliminating ant infestations and maintaining pest free homes. Let the specialists at Thomas Pest handle your pest needs and take the worry of your hands. We understand that removal of pests should be done quickly and efficiently for your safety and for the safety of your home. Reach out to us to learn about our year-round pest control.