Most people have dealt with an ant problem at some point in their lives. Ant infestations are very common and—unfortunately—very difficult to control without the assistance of an ant exterminator. At Pest Defense Solutions, our ant extermination team will implement the most effective ant removal treatments and protect your property from future ant infestations as well.
Common Questions About Ants
For the most part, ants live outdoors in underground nests. When seeking food, water, and shelter, ants can enter homes any tiny gaps that they find in the walls or foundation, drains, cables, and open doors. Ants also sneak in underneath garage and exterior doors, through gaps in windows, and any tears in screens on windows and doors. When scout ants find a food source in your home, they will emit a signal to their colony to follow them, so it’s important to take preventative measures before they make a home out of your house.
Most ant species construct nests in the dirt outside of your home. They come inside looking for food sources, and when they find one, they will emit a pheromone that alerts the rest of the colony to follow them. Once inside, ants can create nests inside the very walls of your homes. Carpenter ants in particular are notorious for tunneling through wooden structures and homes when constructing their nests.
Although ants indeed have periods of rest, they do not “sleep” in the same manner we do. Similar to other pests and insects, ants shut down for multiple short intervals throughout each 24-hour period for moments of inactivity. These periods of inactivity last for around 1-8 minutes. This means that ants can invade your home at any time of the day, as there is no large section of the day where they are completely inactive.
Ants are attracted to two things: food and water.
- Food. Ants are omnivores and are not picky about what they’ll eat. Depending on the species, ants will be attracted to sugary, sweet foods, proteins, and greasy surfaces. However, they will take advantage of any food that has been left unsealed or spilled.
- Water. Ants also need water to survive, so any excess moisture in kitchens and bathrooms can provide them with a consistent water source. Leaky pipes or plumbing can also attract ants quickly.
Ants are not dangerous in the same way some pests are, as they do not contribute to the transmission of any dangerous diseases with their bites. However, they do have the ability to carry and transfer pathogens and disease-producing organisms. Ants carry and spread bacteria, including Salmonella, which can pose serious health risks. Since ants prefer to infest bathrooms, kitchens, and other moist areas, they pick up germs around toilets and sinks, eventually transferring them to utensils and countertops.
It is more common for ants to sting people than it is for them to bite people. There are three types of ants that are known to sting people occasionally: fire ants, acrobat ants, and harvester ants. The ants that are capable of biting are tawny crazy ants and carpenter ants. All ants use their bite or sting as a defense mechanism, usually when ants in their colony are threatened. For the most part, though, ants do not bite or sting people.
Think you have an itchy ant bite? Chances are, these effects often come from ant stings. Fire ants are the most commonly feared stinging ant. When they sting, they inject venom into our skin that results in a raised white welt, similar to a mosquito bite. Sometimes, fire ant stings can cause anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause hospitalization. If this is the case, it’s important to seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
Although they don’t hibernate, ants go into a dormancy period known as “diapause”. As temperatures plummet and ants enter diapause, ants become less active. This makes them appear sluggish or immobile but allows them to utilize very little stored energy, as they do not eat, drink, or lay eggs during this period. Unlike some pests and animals, ants do not fall into a deep slumber in the winter. Instead, they find their way inside or rest several feet deep into the soil where temperatures are more consistent and the elements cannot reach them.
Ant Problem? We can help!
When to Use an Ant Exterminator
For the most part, ants aren’t dangerous beyond being simply a nuisance. Some types, however, can be more dangerous than you think. Here in Albuquerque, carpenter ants tunnel through and destroy wood structures while fire ants are capable of administering a painful sting.
In any case, professional ant exterminators can help determine what ant species you are dealing with and administer the best ant removal methods.
Our Ant Pest Control Process
At Pest Defense Solutions, our team uses the latest science and technology to test new and innovative products so we can protect your home with an effective ant removal plan suited to your specific needs. Our ant removal process includes the following steps:
- Thoroughly inspecting the property to identify the source of the infestation
- Determining of the ant species
- Placement or application of ant control products and insecticides
- Sealing entry points and controlling sources of the infestation
- Creating a detailed ant removal report describing the treatment
- Providing ant control and prevention tips to avoid future infestations
Ant Control You Can Count On
At Pest Defense Solutions, we know how annoying an ant problem can be. Without the help of a professional ant exterminator, ant infestations can seem endless. That’s because many ant infestations contain multiple colonies, which can make completely controlling the ants seem impossible.
For more than 15 years, we have been Albuquerque’s leaders in ant removal and control. Our ant exterminators provide thorough home inspections and the most effective ant treatments in the industry.
Ant Exterminators, Control & Removal in Albuquerque NM
Serving Albuquerque & Santa Fe New Mexico