Carpenter Ants – these creatures are large in size and excavate wood to build their nests. This results in tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants depend on moisture heavy areas, and this is another place they build their nests. So rotting wood or water-damaged wood in or near your home is an ideal place for carpenter ants. They also have an attraction to many food sources that humans have in their homes. If they make shelter in your home, they can cause significant damage over time. Here are some tips to help with carpenter ant prevention:
- Cut back tree branches close to your home
- Trim bushes & plants around your home
- Seal cracks around foundation
- Seal around utility pipes & wires that enter your home
- Stack wood away from your home
- Remove standing water& areas where moisture builds up
- Sign up for a maintenance program with a pest control company
- Do not try to handle removal of these ants on your own
Pavement Ants – build nests in or under cracks in the pavement. They are typically dark brown or black and can infest homes or businesses as well. Some food sources include insects, seeds, fruit, honey and sugar. Pavement ants travel in trails up to 30 feet. Some preventative tips for these critters:
- Eliminate standing water around home
- Handle high moisture areas in and around home
- Trim tree branches and plants around your home
- Fill cracks in pavement and foundation
- Keep firewood away from your home
- Indoors – clean up spills and food crumbs
- Keep kitchen and counters clean
- Keep food pantries clean and open bags of food in storage containers
House Ants (odorous ants) – produce a foul smell when crushed. These ants are often confused with pavement ants. House ants like to build nests around hot water pipes, sinks, cupboards, and small crevices. If found outside the home it is in shallow soil beneath wood, bricks, or debris. Spring or fall is when they will attempt entrance to your home when their food sources get low from rainy weather and heavy leaf fall. They will eat anything, but have preference to sweets. Tips to preventing house ants:
- Clean the house
- Keep the sink clear of dirty dishes
- Clean sinks with vinegar
- Put food away
- Clean crumbs and spills
- Take the garbage out
- Seal cracks around the home
- Remove standing water
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