What can cause a sudden infestation of ants in your home? Ants are one of the most common household pests in North America. Even a single colony of ants can become a problem, cluttering surfaces with piles of their dirt, carrying harmful bacteria, and leaving stubborn stains.
If you’ve got lousy ant problems or don’t know the cause of your ant infestation, you’ll want to catch and deal with them before they get out of control. So, why do I have ants in my house? Let’s take a look.
Common Species of House Ants
You can find common species of house ants can almost everywhere. These ants can vary in size, color, and nesting behavior. Here are the common species of house ants:
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are one of the common species of house ants. You know them for their acrobatic and nesting behavior.
They get their name from the shape of their abdomen, which forms an arch when they hold it in the air. They scurry around windowsills, in kitchen cupboards, and around doorframes.
They feed on sugar and honeydew, a sweet liquid secreted by some insects. The worker ants range in color from yellow-brown to black and have antennae with 12 segments.
Acrobat ants nest in softwood or wall voids and may nest in loose soil near sidewalks and rotting logs. They build their nests using materials like bits of wood, plant secretions, and dirt particles.
Acrobat ants may be beneficial because they control other insect pests. They help remove dead wood and leaves from the environment.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the most common species of house ants, and they’ve earned their name due to their preference for soft, dry wood. Compared to other species, they’re large, ranging from ¼ inch to 1 inch in length.
Most of these ants are black but can also be reddish or yellow. Carpenter ants thrive in dead, damp wood and can cause significant structural damage to homes. They usually nest outdoors but establish colonies inside wall voids, attics, and other locations providing wood access.
To find their nest, observe a trail of worker ants leading from the nest back to food sources. It includes the kitchen cabinets or pantries.
Odorous House Ants
The most common species of house ants are odorous house ants (OHA). These tiny ants are brownish, measuring around 3.3 – 4 mm long.
OHA gets its name from the very distinct smell they emit when crushed. They are common in homes and buildings, but they are especially fond of sugary foods.
These ants are good-natured and rarely cause damage to homes, but they can make a mess of kitchens. They prefer warmer climates, but you can also find them in some cooler regions.
OHA usually nests near moist areas, like beneath sinks and behind refrigerators, but can also nest in dryer areas. Due to their ability to climb, they often exploit any small cracks or holes in walls, window sills, and foundations.
OHA tends to forage in large numbers, so if you find one, chances are there are more nearby. The best way to eliminate OHA is to cut their access to food and nesting areas.
Ants in my House: Identifying the Causes
Identifying the causes of an ant infestation is crucial for stopping an infestation. An increase in the ant population can cause an infestation. It is due to increased food sources such as spilled food, food crumbs, and sugary drinks left uncovered.
Cracks, crevices, and openings in walls and floors of the dwelling are also significant contributors to ant invasions. Other causes may include air conditioning systems that provide abundant moisture within the home, and unwashed pet bowls are left too close to beds or couches.
Eliminating these sources can help rid the home of an ant infestation. Additionally, cleaning floors, countertops, and corners of the house to remove any traces of food can help to ward off ant clans from invading.
Natural Remedies for Dismantling Ant Colonies
Natural Remedies for Dismantling Ant Colonies are becoming essential. It is because these ant colonies can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Natural remedies provide a safe and effective way to remove an ant colony without using harmful chemicals.
One of the most effective natural remedies is to apply boric acid. This acid is toxic to ants but is safer and more targeted than commercial pesticides. Another natural remedy is to drown the ants by using boiling water or hot soapy water and pouring it over the colony entrance.
Additionally, certain plants, such as mint, can repel ants. Finally, vacuum and clean your home. It can help reduce ants in kitchen. Put in place these natural remedies. It can help ensure your space is ant-free and safe from damage and destruction.
Professional Solutions for Eradicating Ants from Your Home
Pest control professionals will assess the situation and guide the best method to manage ant infestations. The most effective way to eradicate ants is to break their life cycle. It includes applying chemical treatments to existing ants, eliminating food sources, and sealing off points of entry for new ant colonies.
Sealing entry points is the most reliable and permanent way to stop the infestation from occurring. To apply chemical treatments, pest control professionals can tell the best location and concentration of chemicals to use.
Additionally, professionals can provide tips on interior and exterior sanitation. It reduces the availability of food sources while ensuring your family’s and home’s health and safety.
While homeowners can take steps to prevent ant infestations, it’s always best to seek professional guidance. The safest and most effective means of managing ant infestations are professional solutions for eradicating ants.
Consider Hiring a Professional Exterminator Today
Answering the question of why there are ants in my house gives the idea that ants can be a nuisance in the home. There are a few simple steps to control an infestation.
To keep ants from returning, remove food sources, seal up entry points, and use ant traps or products like borax. With these steps, your home will soon be ant-free!
Don’t wait to start fighting your ant infestation – act now! Check out our other articles right here on our blog. We’ve got you covered!