How to control ants?

Ants Or Termites how do we tell the difference?

Ants in homes are a common problem. Despite thorough housekeeping, ants can be persistent. Pest control treatment plans would include eliminating the entire colony, which is the only way to eradicate ants. Spraying household pesticides will only kill a few at best.

Any small opening, is enough for ants to gain access into your premises. They are constantly in search of either sweet based food, protein/grease based foods, water based or dry based food. Once they find a food source, ants leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow.

Do I have Ants or Termites?

Most people cannot differentiate ants and termites. Home owners will usually see many flying insects after heavy downpour flying around outdoor lighting. Both subterranean and dry-wood termites produce alates.

• Ants have segmented waists – Termites have same width along their entire bodies, without pinched waists.
• Ant antennas are bent – Termite antennas are straight.
• Ant alates have different wing lengths – Termite alates have same sized wings.

Inspection

Follow ant trails to find where they can be nesting – this sometimes can be quite challenging. Ants lay a chemical pheromone trail along their established routes to the available food source so that other Ants can follow.

Inspect along all edges, doors, windows, and ceiling in all rooms. The easiest way to find a trail to the nest is to watch where ants go after reaching the food source. Ants are persistent throughout the day unless you have a carpenter ant infestation. Carpenter ants, surface normally in the evenings. Larger carpenter ant on the other hand, surface only in the dark. You can spot Carpenter Ants emerging from damaged wood inside the house, or foraging outside in woodpiles, rotted or water-damaged wood, and tree stumps.

Outside the house, inspect around foundation walls, any water pipes and areas of vegetation. Any vegetation found near patios and walls may provide a nesting site for ants. Check under any item that is on the ground, ant nests can be very well hidden.

• Follow trails to locate the ant nest.
• Treat the nest directly if possible or use a suitable bait in line with the ant trails and make sure they pick up on the baits.

Remove Ants In Homes

Ant Pest control strategy should depend on the type of infestation and the type of ant that is responsible. Employing the right type of bait fitting their diet is crucial to having a long term result. Ants In Homes, though brought under control may resurface within 3 to 6 months. Ants that nest in outdoor common grounds, intrude homes searching for food thus starting a new infestation every few months.

Having ant pest control is common in Singapore. A bi-monthly or quarterly pest control schedule is sufficient to keep ants in homes under control.