Ant Control Houston

There are roughly 250 species of ants native to Houston, but you’ll more than likely only encounter one of a few that can cause problems for your everyday life. Should ants choose to make their home where you live or work, you’ll likely have to deal with the stress and frustration this can cause. You may see just one ant and think its presence is not a big deal, only to change your mind a day or two later when an entire line of ants following the same path as the ant you saw the day before.

Preventive Pest Control offers ant control for the following types of ants:

• Household ants: They get their name because they are commonly found near electrical equipment. The tiny magnetic force of the energy moving through lines draws ants to them, where they frequently cause damage to breakers, including shorts.
• Fire ants: Aptly named for three reasons: their distinct, bright-red color that is nearly unmistakable, their fiery temper that causes them to aggressively attack when they feel even slightly threatened, and the fiery pain that their bites sting with.
• Crazy ants: A smaller species of ant that also bites when threatened, but whose bites don’t sting nearly as bad as a fire ant. Crazy ants often invade in swarms, making them difficult to control and get rid of.

Because ants are social insects, they work in organized patterns to gather information using a tracking and communication mechanism through the use of pheromones. Finding where they are coming from can be tricky and locating their nests can be even more challenging. That’s why calling a qualified Houston exterminator for ant control is necessary in order to be ant-free.

How Can You Prevent Ants From Invading Your Home?

Ants can be persistent invaders, but there are several steps you can take to prevent them from entering your home in Houston:

• Clean Regularly:
  Sweep and mop floors regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
  Wipe down countertops and tables after meals.
  Keep food stored in airtight containers.
• Seal Entry Points:
  Seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls where ants can enter. Use caulk to seal these openings.
  Check for and repair any damaged window screens.
• Eliminate Standing Water:
  Fix any leaks in the plumbing to eliminate standing water.
  Keep sinks and countertops dry, and promptly fix any leaks or drips.
• Store Garbage Properly:
  Use sealed trash bins and take out the garbage regularly.
  Rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
• Natural Repellents:
  Use natural ant repellents such as cinnamon, vinegar, or citrus peels in areas where ants may enter.
  Ants are repelled by the scent of these substances.

What Scents Repel Ants?

Repelling ants can be effectively achieved by utilizing scents that are displeasing to them. These scents interfere with their ability to communicate and navigate, making your home less attractive to them. 

Here are several scents that are known to repel ants:

• Peppermint: Ants dislike the strong scent of peppermint, making it an effective natural repellent. Peppermint oil can be diluted with water and sprayed around entry points or areas where ants are present. 
• Citrus: The citrusy scent of lemon, orange, or grapefruit can deter ants. Using citrus essential oils or even simply wiping down surfaces with citrus-based cleaners can help keep ants at bay. 
• Vinegar: Ants are repelled by the acidic scent of vinegar. Mixing equal parts of vinegar and water and spraying it along ant trails or entry points can discourage them from entering your home. 
• Cinnamon: The strong aroma of cinnamon disrupts ants' scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate. Sprinkling cinnamon powder or using cinnamon essential oil near ant entry points can deter them. 
• Tea tree oil: Known for its strong scent and antifungal properties, tea tree oil can repel ants effectively. Dilute tea tree oil with water and spray it in areas prone to ant activity.

In Houston, TX, where warm weather can exacerbate ant infestations, using these natural scents as repellents can be particularly beneficial. Incorporating these methods into your pest control routine can help keep ants away from your home without resorting to harsh chemicals.

How Do You Identify An Ant Infestation?

Identifying an ant infestation involves observing ant activity and recognizing common signs of their presence. 

Here are some key indicators to help you identify an ant infestation:

• Ant Trails: Look for visible trails of ants, especially in and around areas where food is stored or consumed. Ants leave scent trails for other ants to follow, creating distinct paths.
• Nests: Ant nests can be found in various locations, such as soil, wood, walls, or under rocks. Check for small piles of dirt or sand near potential nesting sites.
• Visible Ants: Identify the ant species by observing their size, color, and body structure. Common household ants include odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants.
• Swarming: Flying ants are often a sign of a mature colony that is ready to reproduce. These ants may swarm around light sources.
• Wings: Discarded wings near windowsills or light sources can indicate the presence of winged reproductive ants.
• Frass or Debris: Carpenter ants may leave behind sawdust-like material called frass as they excavate wood for their nests.
• Moisture or Rotting Wood: Carpenter ants are attracted to moist or decaying wood. Check for signs of water damage or wood decay.
• Presence of Ant Trails Inside: Ants may enter your home through small cracks or openings, leaving trails along walls and countertops.
• Unexplained Food Spillage: Frequent sightings of ants around food sources or spills may indicate their foraging activity.
• Pet Food Stations: Ants are attracted to pet food. Check pet food bowls for ant activity.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action promptly to control the infestation and prevent further problems. Identifying the ant species can also help you choose the most effective control methods. If you're uncertain about the type of ant or the extent of the infestation, consider seeking professional pest control assistance.

When should you seek professional pest control help for ants?

• If the infestation is extensive or persistent.
• If you're unable to identify the ant species.
• If DIY methods have proven ineffective.

If you’ve got an ant problem that needs to be addressed right away, make the right choice and contact Preventive Pest Control at (713) 955-7405 today.