Are you starting to think about the springtime ants that will plague your property and home this summer? Are you tired of battling ants year after year and would rather enjoy an ant-free spring once and for all? If you answered yes to either one of these questions, it’s probably time to understand how ants work, why they do what they do, and how to get rid of them.
Ants live in large colonies and are social insects that are divided into 3 groups; workers (mostly sterile females), queens, and males. Workers gather food and defend the nest. In the spring, winged males and females “swarm” by flying out, mating, and building new colonies. Once swarming has happened, ant populations can grow exponentially.
Some of the most common ants that you will find in your yard or home in South Carolina are pavement ants, fire ants, and carpenter ants.
- Pavement ants - Pavement ants are dark brown or black and grow up to ⅛” in size. They will nest underneath sidewalks, building slabs, and rocks, but they can also nest in cracks in foundations and concrete walls. These ants usually live outdoors but may find food such as dead insects, sweets, and grease indoors to feast on.
- Fire ants - Fire ants are usually reddish or dark brown and grow up to ¼” in size. They build mounds in sandy soil and clay and can contain thousands of workers. They are aggressive and best known for their “sting” that can cause painful, itchy blisters. These ants live outdoors but may find their way indoors while foraging for food.
- Carpenter ants - Carpenter ants can be black or reddish and grow up to ⅝” in size. They are helpful, breaking down rotten fallen trees and other vegetation, but indoors, these ants are dangerous to the structure of your home. They are mini excavators that chew wood to get from one place to another and make burrows. They especially like damp, rotten wood. They feast mostly on honeydew, but will also be drawn to greasy foods and sweets.
Homeowners in South Carolina can follow a few prevention steps to avoid ant infestations, but in the long run, professional control is best.
- Inspect the exterior of your home including the foundation, siding, doors, windows, and utility entrances. Look for cracks and crevices and fill them with silicone caulk.
- Limit the moisture in and around your home by fixing leaky faucets, fixtures, and pipes both indoors and out.
- Get rid of all water-logged wood in your yard, and water-damaged wood from inside your home.
- Cut back trees and bushes that are close to your home.
- Keep all trash cans tightly covered with sealing lids to avoid attracting ants to your property.
Different ant species can be found in South Carolina, and it is important to know which ones are invading your home and property to eradicate them properly. An ant control treatment that works for one species may not work for another. That's why it is so important to get the help of a professional pest control service like the trusted South Carolina exterminators at The Original Bugman Elimination, Inc.
Ants are extremely difficult pests to get rid of, and most DIY methods won't work to completely solve your ant problems, which can cause ants to return time and time, no matter how many times you try to get rid of them. To avoid this vicious cycle, call the experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. before it’s too late!
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