Ant Control By Species

Ant Control Facts

Ants are wondrous creatures and one of the most successful animals on earth. In nature, ants are a prime food source for many animals. They aerate more soil than the earthworm, they have taken advantage of every conceivable environmental niche and can be found in every region of the world except the polar caps.

Ants are successful because they are social insects often forming complex colonies. Certain species of ants are specialized in their behavior, for example, living on only one type of tree. Many other species are very adaptable and exploit numerous different living environments and food sources.

The presence of ants in nature ensures the health of the natural environment. In homes and other buildings, however, ants are not so welcome. The same reasons ants are successful in nature makes them very well suited to sharing man's living quarters.

Structures can be threatened by damage from carpenter ants. Pharaoh ants can carry disease organisms. The stings of fire ants can threaten a person's health.

Basics of Ant Control
Controlling ants in structures need not be so difficult. To be successful, you must follow a few basic rules:

1. Identify the species of ant involved. (critical)
2. Perform a thorough inspection.
3. Determine where the ant colonies are located.
4. Treat the ant colonies directly if possible.
5. Use baits for ant colonies that cannot be treated directly.

It is not always possible to find where the ant colony is located. In this case, bait insecticides placed directly in the path of ants or where ants can find them are very effective and can save a tremendous amount of time.

Time-Saving Tips
Practicing a few proven field tips can save time in uncovering the source of an infestation.

CARPETS - Most pest ants like to trail under the edge of carpets. Inspect along the walls under the carpet beside the tack strip. A good place to start is in front of fireplaces and sliding glass doors. When foraging ants are found, try to trail them back to their colony location.

FOUNDATIONS - When ants are found inside along exterior walls, look for colonies living in the soil beside the foundation.

VEGETATION - Ants like to nest and forage in trails out of sight behind any vegetation which rests against foundations, patios, etc. Pull back the vegetation to look for ants. Attempt to follow foraging ants back to their colony.

GROUND SURFACES - Any item sitting on the ground could harbor a colony of ants. Check under all items, especially those near the foundation.

MULCH - Mulch often harbors numerous colonies of ants such as pavement ants, fire ants, crazy ants and Argentine ants. Rake mulch back from the foundation to check for colonies.

Don't Buy Retail Ant Baits !
Most over the counter baits sold at hardware stores and retailers do not contain the same attractants or active ingredients as professional use baits. Although the packaging and advertising may appear convincing, millions of dollars are wasted by consumers annually on over the counter ant bait products that simply do not work. For this reason, ePestSupply is committed to offering only the finest Professional Quality ant bait products and at the lowest possible price. You can depend on ePestSupply and our commitment.