South Portland pest control is no joke. Finding pests that have taken up residence in your home or business is unsettling, unsanitary, and potentially dangerous.
In particular, ant infestations are frustrating and difficult to resolve. So how can you identify an infestation, the type of ants, the threat to your home, and possible ant control solutions? Keep reading to find out.
How Can I Tell What Type Of Ants Are In My House?
Identifying the type of ants in your home can be difficult. There are literally hundreds of different species of ants throughout the United States, and while you don’t need to know all of them by sight, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with a few of the most common varieties to get a handle on ant control in your South Portland home.
Carpenter ants are quite common in the northern regions of the US. They are black in color, but their legs often appear red or red-black. True to their name, these ants like to nest in wood, and they may enter your home through small holes or damaged wood features. They can also damage wood throughout your home in their effort to build more nests.
Pavement ants in South Portland are often found living in or around cracks in pavement, but they can also make their way into homes. Indoors, you’ll likely see them somewhere in your kitchen, where they’ll be trying to find some food.
Odorous house ants are black and brown, but the best way to identify them is by their smell. If one of these ants is crushed, they create an unpleasant smell. In houses, they like to find their way into cracks in the walls or underneath the floorboards.
If you’re unable to make a positive identification or would prefer the help of an expert, call Big Blue Bug Solutions immediately. We will be able to identify the type of ants you’re dealing with and offer treatment options.
Does An Ant Infestation Mean My Home Is Dirty?
If you find ants in your home, does it mean the home is dirty? No, not necessarily. For example, clutter and pieces of food left out for days or weeks at a time can attract certain types of ants.
But as we covered in the previous section, certain ants might enter a home simply to seek shelter.
However, the presence of an ant infestation can definitely lead to contamination in the home. Ants can easily contaminate surfaces and food, presenting possible health risks for you and your family, making ant control in South Portland that much more important.
What's The Best Way To Get The Ants To Go Away?
If you’re dealing with an ant infestation in South Portland, the best way to get rid of ants is to call in the cavalry. In other words, reach out to a trusted and reliable South Portland pest control company to observe the situation and recommend next steps.
Big Blue Bug Solutions is an excellent choice for ant pest control near you. We’ve been in business for more than 80 years, and they know exactly how to handle difficult ant infestations.
The best part of working with pest control professionals is that you can relax and let the pros do the work.
How Do I Prevent Ants From Coming Back?
Once the problem is solved and you’re looking to prevent the ants from returning to your home, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Clean floors and dirty dishes often.
- Keep your food sealed away.
- Fill or repair small cracks around doors, walls, and windows.
- Keep an eye out for ant colonies outdoors, near the home.
These are basic steps, but they can go a long way toward preventing ants of any type from establishing a colony in your home.
Don’t ignore an ant problem in your home. Make it a priority to resolve the issue right away so that you can sleep easy and keep your home clean and safe. Call Big Blue Bug Solutions today for a free inspection and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in South Portland.