Ants can be a pesky problem in any home, but if you’re living in St. Louis, you know how relentless and unbearable these tiny insects can be.
Whether you’re dealing with fire ants, carpenter ants, or a colony of little black ants, their presence can certainly put a damper on things.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat ant problems in St. Louis.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the best methods for keeping ants out of your home and getting rid of them for good.
What Are Some Common Types of Ants in St. Louis?
Ants are some of the most common household pests in the United States, and St. Louis is no exception.
With hundreds of different species of ants found across the country, it can be difficult to identify which type of ant you may have crawling on your kitchen counter.
However, knowing the common types of ants in St. Louis can help you identify them and seek the appropriate treatment.
Carpenter ants are some of the most common types of indoor ants in St. Louis. As their name implies, they like to burrow through wood and create colonies inside the wooden structures of homes. They can be identified by their large size, typically ranging from ⅛ to ½ inch, and their black or reddish-brown color.
Pavement ants are small (⅛ inch) brown or black ants that get their name from their tendency to build their nests in pavement cracks and along sidewalks. They can also establish themselves indoors, typically in basements or bathrooms where moisture is present.
Odorous house ants are a common indoor pest in St. Louis. They are small (⅛ inch) and brown in color. What makes them unique is their pungent, rotting coconut odor, which emanates from their bodies when crushed. These ants are known for their ability to create large colonies and are attracted to sweet and greasy foods.
The Best Ant Prevention Tips
Whether they’re raiding your pantry or marching across your countertops, ants are a nuisance that many homeowners deal with every year.
Unfortunately, once these tiny critters find their way into your home, getting rid of them can be a real challenge. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent ants from invading your space in the first place. Here’s our best advice.
1. Know Where They Like to Hang Out
Ants are attracted to moist environments, so it’s important to pay attention to areas in your home where they might be drawn to.
Check for areas with excess moisture, such as under sinks, near windows or doors, and in your basement or crawl space. Be sure to keep these areas dry or invest in a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels down.
2. Get Rid of Standing Water and Leaks
Ants need water to survive, so any standing water or leaks in your home can be a beacon for these pests.
Check for leaky pipes, faucets, and toilets, and fix them as soon as possible. Make sure to also empty any standing water in your sinks. By keeping these areas dry, you’ll make it less likely for ants to come calling.
3. Remove Food Sources
Ants are also attracted to food sources, particularly sugary items or crumbs. To keep them at bay, make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs promptly.
Keep food stored in airtight containers and wipe down your counters and surfaces regularly with disinfectant. Don’t leave out pet food or fruit bowls as these can also be magnets for ants.
4. Eliminate Access or Entry Points
Ants can crawl through the tiniest of spaces, so it’s important to seal up any cracks, crevices or gaps in your home’s exterior. Use caulk to seal up any openings around doors, windows, and pipes, and install screens for any open windows or vents. You can also try using weather stripping around any doors to prevent ants from entering.
5. Remove Dead Vegetation
Dead branches, leaves or other vegetation can be a potential breeding ground for ants. Make sure to remove any debris from around the perimeter of your home, and cut back any trees or plants that may be touching your house.
This will reduce the potential access points for ants and can also help make it less likely for them to congregate around your home in the first place.
What is the Best Pest Control to Get Rid of Ants?
If you’re looking for St. Louis ant control advice, you’re in the right place! While we always recommend consulting with a professional exterminator, here are some methods you can try at home.
1. Understand the Type of Ant You’re Dealing With
The first step to controlling an ant infestation is to properly identify the species you’re dealing with. Different ant species have different behaviors, nesting habits, and food preferences.
Once you’ve identified the species, you can then determine which pest control method will be most effective.
2. Find the Nest
One of the most crucial steps in ant control is finding the nest. This can be tricky since ants are masters of disguise.
Some common areas to look for nests include cracks in walls or floors, under appliances, in soil, and under outdoor debris. It’s also important to note that carpenter ants, in particular, create satellite nests, meaning there could be more than one nest hidden in your house.
3. Get Rid of Trails
Ants communicate with each other by leaving behind pheromone trails. By disrupting these trails, you can prevent ants from communicating and finding their way back to the nest.
You can do this by wiping down surfaces with vinegar or soapy water, sealing off food, and cleaning up spills immediately.
4. Use an Ant Barrier
Another way to prevent ants from entering your home is by using an ant barrier. This is typically a pesticide bait that you can place around the perimeter of your home. The pesticide will be picked up by ants and brought back to the nest, effectively controlling the colony at its source.
5. Call in the Pros
While DIY pest control can be effective, there are some instances where it’s best to call in the professionals. If you’re dealing with a large ant infestation, or you’re not sure what kind of ant species you’re dealing with, it’s best to consult with an experienced exterminator.
They’ll be able to identify the ant species, locate the nests, and develop a targeted ant control plan.
Looking for St. Louis Ant Control?
Don’t let ants take over your home in St. Louis. Contact Hawx Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and start working towards a long-term solution for ant control.
With our expert technicians, top-of-the-line technology, and personalized approach, we are confident that we can help you get rid of those pesky invaders for good.
So why wait? Give us a call or visit our website today to learn more about the ant control services we offer!
