What attracts ants to an office building?
Ants enter office buildings through cracks and gaps in foundations and around windows, doors, plumbing systems, and gas and sewer lines. They come inside to find food, water, and protection from the elements. Uncovered donuts in the break room, coffee grounds in open trash, and bagel crumbs in the conference room are potential food sources, while leaky plumbing fixtures in restrooms may provide much-needed water.
Most ant species are communal. If one ant finds something tasty to eat or a warm place to hide from winter’s cold, it leaves pheromones behind that attract more ants to the scene. As a result, a single ant can quickly become a larger presence in an office building.
Are ants harmful to humans?
In the U.S., most species of ants aren’t harmful to humans. Fire ants are an exception, but it’s very unlikely you’ll find them in your office building.
How do I get rid of ants in my office building?
To get rid of ants in an office building, follow these tips:
- Wipe countertops in break rooms and bathrooms regularly. Set up a schedule or assign this task to someone specific so it gets done each day.
- Use trash cans with lids throughout the office and empty them daily, even if they’re not full.
- Instruct employees to close the packaging on snacks and sweets between servings.
- Deep clean refrigerators and microwaves regularly.
- Don’t allow employees to keep unwashed dishes stored in sinks.
- Remove shelf paper from cabinetry in break rooms, as it can hide debris that attracts ants.
- Train employees about pest prevention and make keeping the office pest-free part of everyone’s job duties. (Bonus: these tips will also help prevent other pests like rodents and cockroaches.)
- Contact a professional pest control company like Hawx Pest Control to address pest infestations.
Signs of an ant infestation in your office
The most common sign of an ant infestation is seeing the ants themselves. Once ants find a steady source of food in your office building, you’ll likely see groups of them in those areas, such as in the sink, around the trash cans, or under tables in the break room. Individual offices aren’t immune either, especially if coffee drips, crumbs, or stashed-away snacks can attract ants.
What are the most common types of ants in an office?
Some of the most common types of ants found in offices in the U.S. include:
- Black ants: These pests are black and brown and most active during the summer months. They prefer oils, meats, fruits, and grease as food sources.
- Carpenter ants: These pests have heart-shaped heads and range in color from red to brown to black. They are typically 0.5 to .06″ in length. Carpenter ants nest in damaged or damp wood and feed on sugary and starchy substances.
- Argentine ants: You may observe these dark brown or black ants walking in a single-file line. Most are around 3 mm in length, and the staples of their diet include sugars, starches, dead insects, and human waste.
Ant pest control services
Hawx Pest Control can help you deal with ants or other pest infestations in office buildings of all sizes. Our licensed pest control technicians thoroughly inspect the space and determine how to deal with any problems. We use state-of-the-art technology and high-quality tools and products to address the pests and will develop a maintenance plan for keeping pests out of the office in the future.
