5 Reasons Why You Keep Having Ant Problems
5 Reasons Why You Keep Having Ant Problems
Ants are the most numerous and widespread living species on Earth. Found across six continents and estimated to number at least 20 quadrillion in total, it should come as little surprise that ants appear in almost every home eventually. Here in Raleigh, ant infestations often become a problem when hundreds or even thousands of these insects come marching inside.
It's natural to have ants living on your property but if they keep showing up in your home, there are probably factors within that are attracting the pests. Continue reading to learn where your ant problems might stem from and what you can do to resolve these issues.
Factors That Encourage Ant Infestations in Raleigh Homes
Accessible Food Supply
One of the primary reasons that ants invade homes in Raleigh is that our homes often provide them with lots of stuff to eat. If ants discover that your kitchen offers them daily feasts, it will only be a matter of time before your home is invaded by a whole army of these little pests. Ants aren't picky, either; they can eat pretty much anything found on your kitchen table or in your garbage can, including meat, fruit and vegetables, sugary soda and candy, bread, and pet food. Even a dusting of crumbs on the kitchen floor can be enough to entice hungry ants. Cleaning your kitchen on a regular basis will make your home less likely to experience ant problems.
2. Excess Moisture
In addition to food, ants are often drawn into local homes by their need for water. Every house has water running through it and all that moisture can be too much of a temptation for nearby ant colonies. In particular, ants will commonly invade homes in Raleigh that have leaking pipes or drains. When wood is dampened and begins to rot as a result of a leak, ants just can't resist. Make sure to repair any leaks as quickly as possible to prevent ants from being attracted to your home.
3. Inclement Weather
Changes in weather can have a huge impact on the behavior of an ant colony. Ant infestations in Raleigh often occur during spring, when torrential rainfall floods ants out of their nests and forces them to seek refuge in more sheltered environments - like your house. Cold winter temperatures and summer droughts may also drive ants into your home as they search for food, water, and shelter. Whenever a severe weather event occurs, be vigilant for ant activity in your home.
4. Easy Entry Points
Because of their small size, ants can slip into just about any home. However, some houses have more viable entry points than others. Ants frequently enter homes through cracks around windows, beneath doors, and around openings for utilities. If you've been having recurring problems with ants in your Raleigh home, it may be time to figure out how they're coming in and put a stop to it. Installing door sweeps and new weather stripping around windows and doors will make it more challenging for ants to invade your home interior.
5. Pheromone Trails
Something that frustrates many homeowners is that even after they exterminate all of the ants from their house, more ants show up the next day. This isn't just a matter of bad luck; ants create pheromone trails when they enter your home, and other ants will follow these scents inside. After killing ants, follow up by using a strong cleaner on any surfaces where you saw the insects. Doing this can eliminate pheromone trails, preventing other nearby ants from discovering your home.
Get Rid of Ants in Your Home for Good
If you never want to deal with ants crawling around your home again, work with a local pest control company that uses effective methods to get rid of these insects. Connect with Sustainable Pest Systems today for the most reliable ant control services in the Raleigh area!