With temperatures rising right now, it is becoming more common to see ants. In fact, they are one of the most common nuisance pests here in SaddleBrooke during the Spring and Summer months. Unfortunately, in addition to being a general nuisance to homeowners, most people do not realize that this pest can also pose health and property risks – from food contamination to costly property damage.
Much like humans, ants prefer dry harborage, which is why when rains become heavier, ants look for ways into homes stay dry. Unfortunately, even the smallest cracks or unsealed openings can be the perfect entrance for ants. In fact, when Monsoon arrives for summer, a pest like ants likely becomes top-of-mind in many SaddleBrooke homes.
Why are ants problematic? As you may already know, ants can pose health and property risks – from food contamination to costly property damage.
Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets as they supply a large amount of energy to the relatively small ants. Depending on the species, ants can range in size from 1/12 to 1 inch and are usually red or black in color.
While most ants are usually just a nuisance, a few varieties are capable of biting people. Most ant bites cause itching, which may last from a few hours to a few days. These mild reactions are very common and home treatment is often all that is needed to relieve the symptoms. If the bite causes a severe reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Furthermore, there is the common myth that seeing one ant indoors does not equal a full-blown infestation. Although this can be true, ants cooperate by leaving an invisible chemical trail (pheromones) for other ants to follow once they locate a promising food source. If that food source is in your home, you can count them quickly entering your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Ant colonies can be found anywhere in and around your home. Although they typically won’t harm you, there are those – such as fire ants (that sting) and carpenter ants (that damage wood) – that can actually pose a threat to your family’s health and property.
The main tactic in effective prevention plan is to create a less inviting environment for pests around your home. This includes eliminating access and removing suitable sources of food and water. Exclusion is the process of keeping pests outside of your home; however, exclusion can prove difficult to the untrained eye and covering every entry point is virtually impossible without the assistance of a pest control professional.
Another suggestion is to reduce moisture content around the exterior of your home in surrounding flower beds and other landscaping. Reduce the watering times and increase the frequency of your irrigation system. Direct the downspout flow as far away from your home as possible; add downspout extensions if needed. Also, reduce the depth of mulch around the exterior of your home to no more than one inch – the deeper the ground cover, the more moisture will be trapped, creating an ideal breeding area for all pests.
(Cody Emmett is the Sales Manager for Truly Nolen in SaddleBrooke. He can be reached at (520) 275-9303. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (www.trulynolen.com ) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States.)
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