Ants are a common household pest, especially during the warmer months. These industrious insects are always on the search for food. Your home, especially the kitchen, can be a goldmine to a colony looking to feed their masses. Although it’s normal for the occasional ant to find its way inside, an infestation is a big problem. If you spot any of these signs of an infestation, it’s best to call an exterminator to ensure that they are eliminated. 

When to Call the Exterminator for an Ant Problem

1. You See More Than a Few Ants

Ants can often find their way into your home on clothing or shoes, or crawl in through tiny openings and cracks in doors and windows. A single ant or two isn’t cause for concern. But if you’re finding multiple ants a day, or notice that they seem to be following a trail to and from the doorway, you have an infestation and need to call the exterminator. 

2. You Find Ants in Unlikely Places

Ants are scavengers and will send out scouts to find food. This means you might find ants in unexpected places, like your bedroom. One surefire sign of an ant infestation is regularly finding ants in unconventional places, like your bedroom or office. 

3. There Are Ants in Your Pet’s Food 

Ants aren’t picky about what they eat and will enjoy a meal of kibble as much as your leftover barbecue. If you find the bugs in your pet’s dishes, especially if there appears to be a trail leading to and from the bowl, there is likely a colony somewhere in your home.

4. You Spot a Nest Near Your Home

Anthills are easy to spot and usually hide a colony of thousands of bugs. When ants find a food source, they will establish a colony as close as possible, so look for mounds of dirt near the foundation of your house with ants nearby. This means that thousands of ants are just below the surface and are likely using your home as a source of food. 

5. You See Damage

Carpenter ants, like termites, eat wood and will leave behind trails of sawdust when they have a snack. If you spot small trails of sawdust on your windowsills, around baseboards, or on wood flooring, you may have a pest infestation and need help from a professional exterminator to get rid of them and protect your home. 

If you spot ants in your home, contact the exterminators at Cox Termite & Pest Control in Savannah, GA. Their highly trained team of technicians have helped local homeowners keep their residences free of rodents, insects, and termites for more than 40 years. They’ll work with you to remove the ant infestations and provide preventative measures to keep them out for good. Schedule a free inspection by calling (912) 236-2503 or learn more about their services online.