Ants
# Protect Your Home
ABOUT KENNEDY ANT CONTROL
Kennedy Pest provides full ant control solutions. All ants live in colonies, consisting of an egg-laying female (queen), short-lived males, and workers (sterile females). The ants you see foraging in your garden or kitchen are workers. Workers that find food communicate with other workers by depositing a chemical message on the ground as they crawl back to the nest. Although we cannot smell it, this “trail pheromone” sticks for long periods of time and helps other ants find the food at the end of the trail.
Fortunately, ant problems are entirely controllable under professional care. Typically, we use a chemical application outdoors and gel bait indoors. We have found this to be the most effective solution to ant infestations. When we bait indoors, there is no need to evacuate your home, no odor, and after the ants take the bait back to the nest your ants will be stopped at the source. Organic pesticides are also available, but not as reliable in controlling infestations.
So if you have an ant problem or want to make sure you don’t get one, count on us to break the pest life-cycle and prevent future infestations. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today.
Argentine Ants
Description: Workers are about 1/16″ long and vary from light to dark brown. Similar in appearance to odorous house ants.
Habits: Usually located in moist situations near a food source. They can number in the hundreds or thousands per colony. Argentine ant colonies can join together, but usually aggressively eliminate other ant species. Workers follow regular trails. May tend aphids or other honeydew producing insects for food. Prefer sweets but may feed on any types of foods.
Lifespan/Reproduction: From egg to adult averages 74 days, but can be as much as 141 days or as little as 33 days. Problems Encountered: Breed in large numbers and often invade structures in large numbers in very wet, very dry, or other changes in conditions. Can cross over filth, carrion, etc. carrying disease organisms. Often travel along tree limbs and fences entering the house where these touch the structure. Will often be found in kitchen and bathrooms looking for moisture.
Tips for Prevention: Keep plants, bushes, and trees free of aphids and scale. Ensure where possible that branches don’t touch the structure. Tubs, showers, and sink areas should be well caulked.
Odorous House Ants
Description: About 1/16-1/8″ long. Body is brown to black. Very similar in appearance to Argentine ants. When crushed, workers emit a disagreeable, rotten or ransid odor.
Habits: Inside, these ants usually construct their nests in wall voids, especially around hot water pipes and heaters, in crevices around sinks, cupboards, etc. They prefer sweets, but will also eat foods with high protein and grease.
Lifestyle/Reproduction: Multiple queens in colonies that may number several hundred to several thousand. Egg to adult is anywhere from 34-83 days in warm weather. Can go dormant in the winter. Generally 4-5 generations per year are produced. Both workers and queens can live for years.
Problems Encountered: These ants do not generally respond well to baits. Nests must be located and destroyed to achieve control.
Tips for Prevention: Eliminating food sources is helpful in the control of these pests. Keeping holes and openings caulked will also aid in prevention, but once established professional control is called for.
Pharaoh Ants
Description: About 1/16″ long (very small ant), body is pale varying from yellowish to reddish, profile is unevenly rounded.
Habits: Prefer to nest in warm areas near food and/or water. Nests are usually located in inaccessible areas often behind wal voids, behind baseboards, etc. May travel far from the nest in search of food, but do not trail as evenly as Argentine Ants. They feed largely on protein and carbohydrates.
Lifespan/Reproduction: Colonies tend to be large with workers numbering in the thousands to several hundred-thousand. New nests can be formed by “budding” with as few as 5 workers, 10 preadults, and one queen migrating from the original colony. This is why a partial kill of the nest results in more colonies being formed. It is approximately 38 days from egg to adult and workers live about 9-10 weeks with only about 10% foraging at any given time. Queens live about 4-12 months.
Problems Encountered: Residual sprays will not generally control pharaoh ant problems. Unless a nest is completely eliminated, pharaoh ants will form new nests and the problem will be aggravated. A good bait provided and properly applied by your pest control operator is the best means of eliminating this persistent pest.
Tips for Prevention: Little can be done to prevent infestations. Regular treatment outside can help eliminate nesting that might threaten to infest the interior of the structure. Keeping landscape free of clutter and debris is also helpful.
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FAQ
Can I use DIY methods to control ants?
DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but they often fail to address the root cause or eliminate the entire colony. Our professional treatments target all stages of the infestation, including the queen, ensuring long-term success. It’s always best to consult experts to guarantee effective and lasting ant control.
If I disregard the ant issue, what will happen?
Ignoring an infestation of ants might result in more serious problems. Ants may transmit illnesses, taint food, and harm buildings (particularly carpenter ants) as they proliferate. Additionally, procrastination may lead to more expensive and extensive treatments. A quicker and more economical long-term ant control solution is guaranteed with early intervention.
What's causing the ants to invade my house?
Usually, ants invade dwellings in search of food, water, or shelter. They are often drawn to oily or sweet foods, crumbs, or water sources. Additionally, if there is structural damage or existing moisture, carpenter ants may intrude. Finding the precise reason will enable us to successfully eradicate the source and stop more problems.
How is an infestation of ants treated?
In locations where ants are most active, we deliberately apply a blend of environmentally safe baits, sprays, and dust. Long-term eradication is ensured by this treatment, which targets ants at every step of their lifecycle, including the colony. Depending on the particulars of the infestation, our professionals will tailor their strategy.
Are your pest control methods safe for my family and pets?
Yes, our pest control treatments are safe for families and pets. We reduce exposure by using eco-friendly, non-toxic items. We take great care to administer treatments in a manner that avoids direct touch while yet being very effective since your loved ones’ safety is our first concern.
How much time does it take to eradicate ants?
The extent and intricacy of the infestation determine how long it takes. Within a few days, you’ll often see fewer ants. However, further treatments could be required for bigger or more persistent infestations. We guarantee prompt outcomes while keeping an eye out for any long-term impacts on your home.
Is it possible to stop ants from returning?
Yes, prevention entails keeping your house clean, minimizing food and water sources, and caulking crevices. Our staff can help you put ant-repelling measures into action. Ants are kept out of your house with aggressive treatment and regular inspections. The secret to long-lasting protection is routine maintenance.
Will ant control interfere with my everyday routine?
Our ant control methods cause the least amount of disturbance. The majority of services may be finished in an hour, so you can quickly go back to your regular schedule. In order to cause the least amount of disturbance and guarantee that the ants are successfully removed from your house, we take additional care to administer treatments in key areas.
How often should I book services for ant control?
If you reside in a region where ant infestations are common, we advise arranging ant control treatments at least once or twice a year. However, the degree of the problem determines how often it occurs. After evaluating your circumstances, we will suggest the best servicing schedule for you.
What takes place when an ant inspection is conducted?
In order to find possible ant entrance sites, trails, and nests, our specialist will survey your property. They will determine which kinds of ants are involved and evaluate the infestation’s severity. Along with a customized treatment plan and long-term preventative techniques, you will receive a comprehensive report.
THE ANT PROBLEM
Beyond just being an irritation, ants may do major damage to your home and cause sanitary issues. Carpenter ants may cause damage to buildings, while sugar ants can contaminate food supplies, which can allow an infestation to spread quickly. Ants become more difficult to manage if they are allowed to proliferate. Early ant control is essential to halting more damage and protecting your home’s health and safety. In addition to removing ants, professional pest control services provide preventive steps to keep your house safe, hygienic, and infestation-free in the future.
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