Ants can become a problem in any home or garden.
But how can you tell if you have a problem?
And what should you do if you discover an ant infestation?
Here is a guide to the signs to look out for, as well as what you should do if you spot a problem.
How Can You Tell if You Have an Ant Problem?
Small black ants are the most common ants that you are likely to find in your garden.
They like sweet food, and they build their nests in the soil, which you can usually find by following
the ants or by spotting a mound of sandy soil.
You will usually become aware of an ant problem when you spot the ants.
Often you will see a long line of ants marching across your garden or up a tree, and you can follow
the ants to find the nest.
However, sometimes you may only become aware of an ant infestation when they enter your home
or when you are bitten by one.
Alternatively, you may notice the damage they are causing to your plants.
“Natural remedies are one option if you don’t
want to use an insecticide.
You may want to use boric acid or try planting
some tansy in your garden.
This is a herb that has long been used
to deter ants and flies from your garden.”
How to Get Rid of an Ant Problem
There are various ways to get rid of ants.
Natural remedies are one option if you don’t want to use an insecticide.
You may want to try planting some tansy in your garden.
This is a herb that has long been used to deter ants and flies from your garden.
It also attracts good insects like ladybugs.
Boric acid dust can also be a good option, and this can be used to kill many pests.
It dries out the ants and kills them, but it will only kill the ants it comes into contact with.
If you see ants in your kitchen, you can get a sponge and soak it in soapy water, then wash
them away.
This will remove their chemical trail, but it is only a short-term tactic.
If you find where they are entering your home, block it up if possible.
Boric acid traps are also effective.
Use this as bait, and the ants will then carry it to the nest where the slow-acting poison
will kill the colony.
You could also use a chemical pesticide.
These will kill on contact, but they only kill the ants they contact, and it is best to kill the
whole colony.
Hire a Professional Exterminator
Sometimes the best way to control your ant problem is to hire a professional.
If you don’t know how to beat the infestation, or you would rather simply hand it over to an
expert, find a New Orleans pest control specialist to get rid of your ants.
Professional exterminators have a number of techniques that they use to get rid of ants and
other pests, and you can be sure that they will sort out your ant problem once and for all.
Look for the Signs of Infestation
Always be on the lookout for signs of an infestation.
While ants are by no means the worst pests you can experience in your home, they can still
be very unpleasant—especially when they cause damage or bite you.
So look out for the signs, and act quickly when you suspect you have an ant problem.
About the Author
Robert Kunst has extensive knowledge in dealing with pest control. Working in the industry since 1974, today he is president of Fischer Environmental Services which serves the South-Eastern United States.
Have you experienced an ant infestation?
What are your favorite tips for preventing or dealing with ant problems?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Shared at Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that seeing ants is a sign that you have an infestation. I was cleaning in the kitchen the other day, and I noticed several ants running around. I haven’t seen too many, but I’m worried I have an infestation somewhere, so I’ll definitely look into having a professional come and take a look. Thanks for the great post!