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The Secret to Keeping Ants Out Of Your Westchester County Yard _{Apr. 15th 2020}

BlogThe Secret To Keeping Ants Out Of Your Westchester County YardIt's not a secret that pests of any kind are annoying. However, ants are particularly annoying thanks to their habit of forming colonies and crawling everywhere. The National Pest Management Association ranks ants as the number one pest in the country.

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The Secret To Keeping Ants Out Of Your Westchester County Yard

It's not a secret that pests of any kind are annoying. However, ants are particularly annoying thanks to their habit of forming colonies and crawling everywhere. The National Pest Management Association ranks ants as the number one pest in the country.

With over 700 species of ants in existence, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to understand how to deal with this pervasive pest. The most common types of ants you'll find in Westchester County include:

Odorous house ant: These ants are dark brown or black and only grow to 1/8 of an inch. They can be further identified by the smell of rotten coconuts they emit when crushed.
Pavement ants: Pavement ants are also brown or black, but they prefer to stay outside and nest in between the cracks and crevices of the sidewalk and stones.
Carpenter ants: This ant species is quite large and likes to make their home in wood damaged by moisture. If left unchecked, this can result in significant structural damage.
Pharaoh ants: While these ants don't bite, they do present a real threat to your health. Not only do they love eating your food, but they're also known to carry a host of pathogens that can make you ill.
Acrobat ants: These ants normally stay outside, but they will come inside when they feel like doing so. If you see acrobat ants, it's a sign that decaying wood is present, which could indicate structural damage.

There are several additional ant species present in the New York City area, and the secret to ant control is prevention. While only some ants are dangerous or destructive, there's no disputing that ants aren't welcome in the home.

Things You Can Do To Keep Ants Away

Preventing an ant infestation takes diligence and a concentrated effort. Due to the sheer number present in the ant colonies, it's virtually impossible to eliminate all of them once they've invaded.

As such, you must implement the following prevention techniques to the best of your ability:

Watch the hot spots: Due to the presence of food and the water, ants typically target the kitchen of homes. However, ants are known to congregate in bathrooms, bedrooms, basements, and around AC units, so pay close attention to these rooms as well.
Remove water sources: Like most pests, ants need moisture to survive. For this reason, it's a good idea to remove any standing water around your home. This includes performing any needed repairs on leaking pipes and checking under the sink. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the overall moisture levels in specific rooms such as the basement.
Take out the food source: Ants will gladly eat your food and crumbs. That's why it's a good idea to wipe down the counters and sweep the floors. In addition, it's recommended to store food in sealed pest-proof containers. If you like having fruits and vegetables around, then be sure to keep them in the fridge when not being consumed.
Practice cleaning habits: Did you know that ants leave behind pheromones when they travel? These pheromones attract other ants, which can quickly lead to a large infestation. To counter their acute sense of smell, scrub down ant entrances and travel sites with soap and water. This precaution will remove the pheromones left behind.

Sealing All Possible Entry Points

Ideally, you would want to seal up all of the entry points that allow ants to access your home. Unfortunately, their sheer number and extremely tiny size make this extremely difficult. The good news is that it can be done. The first step is to secure the perimeter. Through applying a verified treatment around the perimeter of your house, you can better prevent the ants from coming inside.

Sometimes, even the best treatments won't solve your ant problem. That's why it's important to follow up by blocking the entry points. Trim back any trees or bushes near the house. Also, you will want to carefully seal every crack, hole or crevice you come across to keep this pest out. Make sure to use silicone caulk to accomplish this task, and pay close attention to the areas housing utility pipes.

Professional Assistance From Hello Pest Control

Taking out the ants once they've invaded is virtually impossible on your own. If you've been unable to prevent them from invading the home, it's time to seek professional assistance. At Hello Pest Control, our team is standing by to assist you with your ant problem. We've studied the ins and outs of every infestation thoroughly, which allows us to provide our customers with a solution that delivers guaranteed results.

Do you need ant control services? Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional pest control options or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.