Effective ant control can feel like an elusive goal here in Sacramento. Keeping fire ants off your yard or odorous house ants out of your pantry can often seem like fighting a losing battle. However, there are several ways to achieve total ant control in Sacramento without breaking the bank or wasting too much time.
Continue reading to learn forms of home pest control for ants you can use and the many ways Neighborly Pest Management can help ease your ant problem.
Identify Your Sacramento Home Ant Problem
There are several different ant species in Sacramento. One of the biggest threats to homeowners is carpenter ants. Getting carpenter ants in your house can be as bad as getting termites because these large, black ants nest in wood. While all ants dig complex networks of tunnels and chambers for their colonies, carpenter ants tunnel through your home’s wooden structural framing instead of dirt. Carpenter ants in your house are an emergency, as they can render your home unsafe to live in if left untreated.
Southern fire ants are another issue for Sacramento homeowners. It is not out of the question for homeowners in our area to run across a mound full of these aggressive, hostile insects—especially as the climate continues to warm—and require fire ant control. Other species, such as Argentine ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants, are less threatening but just as annoying.
Find Out Where Ants In Sacramento Are Coming In From
Ants are tiny and able to squeeze in just about anywhere. They might slip in through cracks in your foundation or holes in your siding. They can also get in through gaps in windows and doorframes. Some ants are so tiny they can even squeeze through window screens. While you should always seal up cracks in your home’s exterior and fix tears in window and door screens, the reality is ants are so tiny that if they want to get in, they will get in. That is why the most effective ant control solutions focus on making your house less attractive to ants instead of preventing their entry.
Remove What Is Attracting Ants To Your Sacramento Home
Ants are attracted to a few basic things in your home: moisture, shelter, and food. Most ants will eat just about anything, but many ant species prefer sugars or proteins over other food sources. If your house offers easy access to these items, ants will invite themselves into your home.
Because pest control costs a lot more after you already have an ant infestation, it is vital to take preventative measures before the fact:
- Cover all indoor and outdoor garbage with tight lids to mask smells.
- Seal pantry foods in airtight containers to restrict access.
- Don’t keep pet bowls full. Feed pets at certain times and store pet foods and dishes otherwise.
- Use dehumidifiers and fix moisture problems to keep water sources away from ants.
- Always clean up immediately after meals.
Call Professional Pest Control In Sacramento
If you already have an ant problem in your home, you’ll likely need professional ant control in Sacramento, especially if you have carpenter ants. With a carpenter ant infestation, you don’t just have to think about the pest control cost; you also have to think about the cost of all the damage these ants are doing to your home every second they’re in it. If you have an infestation that you feel you can’t control, give Neighborly Pest Management a call or visit our contact page to get safe and affordable expert help.