Ants are a household pest that no homeowner wants to deal with. Unfortunately, they are very common as unwelcome guests in the walls, foundations, and yards of homes. Here are some tips about how to recognize them, what damage to look for, and how to get rid of ants once and for all.

3 Common Types of Ants

Fire Ants

These are known for their red color and painful stings. They are most commonly found outside in the grass, but they sometimes venture inside hunting for food.

Field Ants

If you find mounds near a wood deck that are made of grass or other foliage, odds are they were made by field ants. These lack the sting of fire ants but can be aggressive when provoked. 

Carpenter Ants

Because they feed on decaying wood, it’s rare to find these ants inside homes. However, if the structure of your home is rotting, they can enter the walls to feed.

What Damage Can Ants Do to a Home?

If left to thrive over several years, carpenter ants are notorious for causing damage to wood structures. Certain species will also take up residence in your foundation or insulation, causing them to wear. The most common problem is when ants enter kitchen cupboards and cabinets in search of food, becoming an intolerable nuisance. 

How Do You Get Rid of Ants?

The only way to completely remove an ant infestation is to entirely eliminate the colony. Targeting the worker ants you can see with over-the-counter spray does not do this. A professional exterminator will have the knowledge and equipment to get the proper poison deep into your walls or foundation. This will both kill the colony and the queen ant that created it.

Select Pest Control in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area knows how to get rid of ants. They are a member of the Northern Kentucky Home Builders Association and have been trusted by the community for over 30 years. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (513) 352-0080.