As temperatures warm up, many homeowners may begin to notice more ants making their way into their bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. One or two of these pests can quickly lead to an infestation, so it’s critical to understand what attracts them and when to call an exterminator. Here’s a helpful guide to keep your home ant-free.

A Beginner’s Guide to Ants

Why do people get ants?

Before ants infest a home, one “scout” ant scopes out your home in search of food. They may find dog food on the floor, soda cans in your recycling bin, or crumbs left on the kitchen floor. Once a scout ant finds a source of food, they’ll quickly return with the rest of the colony to share in the spoils.

What damage do ants cause?

Damage depends on which type of ants are present. While the common house ant poses no real risk to homeowners because they’re only in search of food and water, the overwhelming number can quickly grow out of control. Other pests, such as fire or harvester ants, can sting animals and humans. Carpenter ants eat away at wood, which causes structural problems for your home.

How should ants be prevented and addressed?

To avoid ants, keep your kitchen and living spaces free of potential food sources. Seal up containers tightly and keep them high on pantry shelves. Wipe down your counters and tables after meals, and sweep up crumbs on the floor frequently. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Additionally, ensure all of your window and door frames are properly sealed to restrict ant access. If not, re-seal or caulk these areas to keep unwanted pests from making themselves at home.

If you’ve noticed more than a handful of ants in your home, call a professional exterminator as soon as possible to stop the problem before it gets worse. They will identify which type of ants are present and where they’re coming from. From there, an exterminator will design a unique pest control program to kill the ants that are present, while simultaneously keeping more from invading your space by sealing off their entry points.

If you continue to deal with ants in your home, call the exterminators at RemTech for help. Based in Eagan, MN, they offer top-rated residential and commercial extermination services to customers across the Twin Cities area for a fair, affordable price. They’ll arrive at your property in a discreet vehicle, tackling your ant, spider, or roach control problem with precision and efficiency. In addition to common insect and bee removal, their team also offers mouse control and bedbug extermination, so you can take back control of your home. To schedule an appointment, call (651) 600-9983, and visit them online to learn more about their team.