Spring time means insects are starting to emerge and find their way into the fortresses of our homes. Everyone has walked into the kitchen one morning only to find a long line of ants making their way from the back door to the bread box. But what about the ants you don’t see?

Should I be worried even if I don’t see any ants?

The short answer is yes.

By the time you see one ant, the colony has already found an entrance into your home through the roof, through the doors, through the windows, or even through the garage. The sheer numbers of ants can easily be overwhelming and difficult to control.

Types of Ants

Ants, like all insects, have three body areas, a head, a thorax, and a gaster. They build nests, typically in the ground or trees but may occasionally use your home as a substitute nesting area. Fire ants are reddish in color and typically build outdoor mounds with no obvious entrance. They become aggressive when their mound is disturbed and deliver a painful, stinging bite. Carpenter ants are typically large, black, and nocturnal. They do not sting, but do bite and can nest in hollow tree trunks, hollow doors, boxes, and walls and ceilings. The odorous house ant is the ant you are most likely to find in your pantry and cupboards. Odorous ants make their nests under and inside other objects. Attracted to sweets, like sugar or honey, odorous house ants will nest in walls, attics, and under floors.

Are Ants Harmful?

Ants found inside a home are generally not harmful to humans. In fact, every ant in the colony has a specific job. Scouts are sent out to find food and water. If a small amount of nourishment is found, a few carry the bounty back to the colony and more ants find their way to the feast. Killing the ants you see is easy, but it is like using a hand towel to try to clean up a flood. Unless you address the root of the problem – the colony – new ants will quickly replace the few you killed with conventional sprays. Only an exterminator can prevent ants from infesting your home, and can address an infestation when it has already begun.

What Do I Do About Ants In My Area?

Preventive Pest Control specializes in eliminating insect problems you may already be experiencing without ever seeing an ant. Our recurring pest control service builds a barrier around your home to protect your walls and floors from ant infestations. Contact us today to begin protecting your home.