There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance.
There are basically three types of ants that are the most common that you see on your property. If you know what to look for, it makes it easier to identify what you're dealing with.
Tiny ants in your kitchen can be treated for $238 if that's all you need. Larger black ants, like carpenter ants can be treated for $325. Carpenter ant treatments are imperative to start right when you see the activity, as they can build nests in your walls that can cause damage to your home, as well as be more expensive and difficult to treat.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Indoors, the majority of ants will be around a food/water source, like in your kitchen or bathrooms and find their way inside through plumbing pipes. Larger ants, know as carpenter ants, can actually nest in your walls, around door/window frames that have become soft due to moisture. Outside, you can visibly see ant hills that draw your attention in our yard or landscape.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
An interior and exterior treatment is recommended. Interior comprises of a chemical application as well as a bait, which they consume and pass on to their colony. For the exterior of the home, a chemical is applied around the homes foundation creating a barrier, ensuring the ants pass through it ensuring they will react to it to eliminate the problem.
HELPFUL TIPS
Since majority of ants are attracted to moisture, eliminate standing water outside near your home. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes ants use these branches to get into the home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of the foundation. Ensure firewood and building materials are not stored next to the home as they like to build nests in stacks of wood
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