Ant control is one of the most common solutions we provide in Lexington, KY. Ants are among the top pests we deal with here in the Bluegrass, and they can cause a variety of problems. They can contaminate food, build unsightly mounds, and cause damage to wood and other materials. Species such as fire ants can even cause painful stings that can be life-threatening to sensitive individuals. Fortunately for us, Fire Ants are not commonly found in the bluegrass state.
With different species of ants requiring different approaches for control, it’s important to be able to identify the type(s) of ants that your property is dealing with – or have access to a knowledgeable professional pest control company that can guide you along the path to an ant-free home. If you want to skip reading this whole blog, give us a call and we’d be happy to come out and provide a free, no-obligation estimate for what professional ant control costs in Lexington, KY.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (that isn’t close to ants), you likely know that ants are social insects that live in colonies. These colonies can range in size from hundreds to millions of members. Each colony contains queens, whose primary role is to lay eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae, which eventually transform into adult “worker” ants. These workers care for the queens and developing brood and are the ones that forage for food and water – so they’re often the ants that you see in your home.
Do Ants Mean Termites?
Seeing winged insects in your home can be concerning if you can’t tell the differences in winged ants and winged termites. As ant colonies continue to develop, they produce winged individuals known as “swarmers” at certain times of the year. These winged ants emerge from the nest to mate and establish new colonies – a trait also seen in termites as well, which these ants are often mistaken for. If a swarm of ants is seen indoors, it is usually an indication that a nest may be present. Winged ants can be distinguished from termites by comparing certain features, such as their waist, wings, and antennae (see photos below). If you’re still unsure feel free to send us a photo. If you’re local, you can always give us a call if you’d like an inspection/estimate for ant control in Lexington KY or surrounding areas.
Do a Few Ants Mean an Infestation?
Ants can build their nests in many different locations, both inside and outside of buildings. DIY attempts to control ants in Lexington, KY often fail because they only target the ants that are seen foraging over exposed surfaces, which represent only a small portion of the colony. The key to effective ant control here in Lexington is often eliminating queens and other colony members within nests.
Tracing the ant trail back to its entry point is important, as ants usually originate outside and enter buildings through gaps around doors, windows, utility pipes, and wires. Ant trails often follow lines and edges, so pay attention to cracks, seams, and edges in walls, baseboards, carpeting, tile, foundation-siding, and more. Nests may be in the ground, marked by an anthill, or concealed under mulch, gravel, stones, landscaping timbers, pavement, or beneath grass edges and clippings. Carpenter ants often prefer to nest behind exterior siding, in attics or wood trim damaged by moisture.
What Spray Do Exterminators Use For Ant Control in Lexington KY?
While many of the products that professional pest control companies use to control ants are available to the public, without the experience or knowledge of ant identification, biology, and behavior, it can be a tall task for do-it-yourselfers to completely solve an ant issue. There are numerous insecticides that may work better than others when dealing with ants. One of the most common that professional pest control companies use is insecticide baits.
Insecticide baits are a great option when the location of a nest can’t be determined or is inaccessible and is often a go-to option against ants for professional pest control companies. Ant baits contain a food attractant combined with a slow-acting insecticide that, when transported back to the nest and fed to the queen(s) and other colony members, can lead to the destruction of the entire colony.
As I previously mentioned, it’s crucial to know the habits and behaviors of the ant species you’re dealing with to effectively control ant infestations. For example, some ants prefer sweet foods, while others prefer protein-based foods. Knowing this can help in selecting the appropriate bait to use. It’s also important to know the specific locations where ants are entering a building, as this can help in determining where the nest may be located.
How Do You Permanently Control Ants in Lexington KY?
If you’re unsure how to handle an ant infestation, and want to ensure they’re gone for good, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional pest control company. At Berner Pest Solutions, our team is highly trained in identifying and treating ant infestations. We use a variety of methods, including baits and sprays, to eliminate ant colonies and prevent them from returning. Our goal is to provide our customers with effective and long-lasting ant control solutions, so they can enjoy a pest-free home or business.
You may be surprised at just how affordable professional pest control for ants at your home or business is. If you would like a free, no-obligation estimate for ant control, please contact our team today!
