Have Questions About Ants? | Ant FAQs
At Capital Pest, we field plenty of questions about different insects and pests that are commonly found in and around homes. We get perhaps the most questions about ants and their behavior. Even if you aren’t a homeowner, you have probably been annoyed by the unwanted presence of ants at least once. To help answer some of your questions, we have put together a FAQ page on ants.
Why are ants so hard to get rid of?
It is rare that you see a single ant. Instead, you will find an entire train of ants following the same path in a straight line. This is because ants work together to support the colony. Once they find a source of food and/or water, they release pheromones that signal the rest of the ants to follow. As more ants join the march, the pheromone trail only strengthens. As a result, even if you eliminate the ants you can see and get rid of the food or water source, the pheromone trail may still be in place and attracting more ants.
What ant species are common in North Carolina?
Perhaps the most common, home-invading ant is the odorous house ant. North Carolina is also home to acrobat ants, black ants, Argentine ants, pavement ants, fire ants, and other species.
Do ants spread disease?
While some pests can spread disease and be harmful to humans and pests, ants are considered more of a nuisance pest. They can get into your food and quickly become an annoyance, but that won’t affect your health.
Can ants damage my home?
Certain types of ants, including carpenter ants, eat damp and rotten wood. That means that if you have rotting door jambs or window frames, carpenter ants may begin feeding on your home and causing further damage.
How can I prevent an ant infestation?
Be sure to store food in sealed containers, keep the kitchen and other areas of the home clean, seal any cracks around the home so that they can’t enter, and spray an ant barrier around the perimeter of your home. Using a pest company for your ant control is the best way to prevent ants from entering your home.
What is the best way to get rid of ants?
You can start by trying certain ant baits that work by attracting ants who then take the poison back to the nest. This will ensure that you are eliminating the entire colony and not just the ants you can see. If this method doesn’t work, you will want to call in the experts and have an exterminator visit your home.
If you have been battling an ant infestation and nothing seems to be getting rid of the ants, give Capital Pest a call. Our experts can identify which species of ant you are dealing with and respond accordingly. You may be able to eliminate your pest problem in just one visit.
Capital Pest is proud to be a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Raleigh, NC and its surrounding area (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Pinehurst, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, etc). Contact us for our pest control services today!