Ant Control Services
For Charlotte, NC and the Surrounding Areas
Ants are among the most industrious and hard-working insects in the natural world. An individual ant can reportedly lift up to 50 times its own body weight and if you’ve ever seen an ant colony up close, you know that they reproduce quickly. For every one you do see, there are hundreds or even thousands more you don’t see.
Some ants are more of a nuisance as they infest homes and businesses, but they don’t inflict damage to property or risk the health and safety of people. Though not considered dangerous, infestations of these types of ants should still be addressed because it takes a lot of hard work to eradicate a colony. Unlike house ants, carpenter ants are wood-destroying pests. Though they do not eat wood like termites, they tunnel inside of wood to create nesting areas. This can make wood weak and can even compromise the structural integrity of the house or building.
To thoroughly get rid of ants the first time around, it is always recommended to call upon a knowledgeable and experienced exterminator. At Killo Exterminating Co., Inc., our pest control team has years of experience providing ant control and removal solutions to property owners throughout Charlotte, and beyond.
Contact our pest control company today to discuss your situation with our team and schedule an insect control appointment!
What Types of Ants Can Be Found in my Home?
For the most part, ants have a similar look amongst them regardless of the type. However, ants come in a variety of shapes and sizes but each will be a part of 1 out of 3 colony caste types: queens, workers, or males. Some common types that would be in your home requiring you to request ant control services are as follows:
- Carpenter Ants
- Odorous House Ants
- Pavement Ants
- Crazy Ants
If you happen to find these ants in your home, don't hesitate to contact Kill Exterminating Co Inc. We specialize in ant control for your home to ensure you can live comfortably.
How To Identify An Ant Infestation
Ant infestations can be tricky to spot initially, but there are several signs that can indicate their presence in your home or business. Here's how to identify an ant infestation:
Seeing Ants Indoors
The most obvious sign of an ant infestation is seeing ants inside your home. If you notice a few ants, especially in your kitchen or near food sources, there's a good chance that more are lurking nearby.
Ant Trails
Ants leave pheromone trails to communicate with other ants. These trails often lead from a food source back to their nest. If you see a steady stream of ants following a path, you're likely dealing with an infestation.
Nests
Ant nests can be found in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, look for nests in wall voids, under appliances, and in hidden corners. Outdoors, nests might be in soil, under rocks, or within landscaping features.
Discarded Wings
Some ants, particularly those involved in reproduction, will have wings. If you find piles of discarded wings near windowsills, baseboards, or vents, it could indicate the presence of a nesting colony.
Wood Shavings
Carpenter ants, in particular, can cause noticeable damage to wood structures. If you find small piles of wood shavings, it might be a sign of carpenter ants burrowing into your home's wooden framework.
Unusual Sounds
In severe cases, you might hear rustling noises coming from within walls or woodwork. This can be a sign of ants, especially carpenter ants, moving around and working within your home’s structure.
Ants in Unusual Places
Ants are usually found in predictable locations like kitchens and bathrooms. However, if you start seeing ants in unusual places such as bedrooms, living rooms, or inside electronics, it's a sign of a widespread infestation.
Our Ant Inspection Process
At Killo Exterminating Co., our expert pest management technicians conduct detailed inspections of your home or business, along with your yard and landscaping, to detect any signs of an ant invasion. When our professional and neatly-dressed technician arrives, they will perform a thorough examination of your premises to pinpoint the presence of ants and uncover their possible hideouts.
During our inspection, we focus on common hideaways for troublesome ants and determine the exact species causing the issue. In Charlotte, the types of ants often encountered include pavement ants, fire ants, and carpenter ants.
Pavement ants, which are typically brown or black and vary in size, generally live outdoors, nesting within pavement cracks. These ants might enter buildings in search of food and can establish nests in the cracks of floors and walls. Fire ants, recognized by their reddish hue and smaller size, usually stay outdoors but will venture inside for food. Carpenter ants are black and can grow as long as ½-inch.
Once the inspection is complete, our technician will inform you of any current or potential problems, specifying the types of ants detected, evidence of their presence, and the possible threats they pose to your property and family. Based on these findings, we will suggest the most effective treatment methods and ant control solutions tailored to your needs.
How Frequently Should You Schedule an Ant Inspection?
It's recommended for homeowners and business owners in Charlotte to have an annual insect damage inspection. This examination is dedicated to uncovering any insect activity, with a particular focus on ants and termites.
Should you notice any indicators of a potential ant problem outside of your regular yearly inspection, it’s crucial not to delay contacting a professional to arrange a follow-up appointment.
How To Prevent Ant Infestations
House ants can be difficult to deal with when they decide to make your home their home. And while there are means of dealing with ants when they become abundantly present in your home, there are a number of measures you can take to keep the issue under control.
- Cleanliness - Regularly vacuuming one's home can help to ensure that any crumbs or particles of food are not readily available for ants to consume, thus facilitating the growth of their population in your home.
- Properly Storing Your Food- Minimizing available food for ants is a very common and often quite effective means of keeping them from becoming a problem in your home. By placing food and leftovers in sealed containers or bags, you are effectively minimizing an unwanted pest's access to it.
- Minimizing Openings- By sealing cracks, shutting doors, and screening windows, you are effectively removing a number of points where ants are gaining access to your home.
In some circumstances, despite one's best efforts, sometimes it is just not possible to keep the ants away. Or, the problem may simply have escalated too quickly to address using the above methods. If this is the case, it is often a good idea to address the problem sooner rather than later. Killo Exterminating Co. Inc., proudly serves Charlotte, NC and the surrounding communities. To find out how we can help provide ant control for your home, give us a call today!
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