It is very important to eliminate ants immediately after spotting them. It is also crucial that you take precautions to keep them from returning. Some species are more harmful than others, so proper identification is key to keeping your home under control.
Common Ants in Canoga, CA
There are over 10,000 ant species in the world. A few common species in the Canoga area include:
- Imported fire ants
- Thief Ants
- Pavement Ants
- Odorous House Ants
- Carpenter Ants
Just one bite from an imported fire ant can send someone to the emergency room if they are allergic!
Thief ants are yellow or light brown and consume household food but are otherwise harmless. Pavement ants are light brown or black and tend to contaminate food.
Odorous house ants also contaminate food and are named for the stench that they emit when squished. Carpenter ants are black or multi-colored and are known for destroying wet or decayed wood.
If you come across any of these ant species in your home, it might be time to call the professionals for help!
Step 1: Get Rid of Attractants
Ants are attracted to any source of moisture or water. They are also attracted to a lot of foods. Some species are attracted to wet wood, while others are attracted to sweet fruits.
Outdoor moisture like overwatered plants, piles of leaves and carcasses, or gutters and downspouts attract ants. Eliminate these food sources and attractants to cut down on the likelihood of an ant invasion.
Step 2: Seal Entry Points
While you might not be able to seal off all entry points, you should try to cover as many as possible.
A few potential entry points include:
- Compromised door and window screens
- Damaged door sweeps
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps around window and door frames
- Holes created by pests that damage wood
Try sealing off entry points with materials like putty or caulk. You should also replace broken screens and door seals.
Step 3: Eliminate Access
Be sure to remove any vegetation that touches your home. This includes shrubs, trees, and potted plants as these are easy-access routes for ants to get into your home.
Step 4: Interior Moisture
Once ants are inside your home, they forage for shelter and higher humidity levels. A few excess moisture areas in your home could be leaky faucets, leaky garbage disposals, basements, crawlspaces, and humid bathrooms or laundry areas.
If you notice excess moisture in an area of your home, add a dehumidifier to address the excess moisture.
Step 5: Maintain Cleanliness Indoors
Keeping the inside of your house clean is crucial to rid your home of food sources for ants. Limit where you eat in the house to one or two areas, do the dishes often, and take out the trash regularly.
Step 6: Professional Ant Control
Hiring a professional to address your ant problem is key because they can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Professional ant control will complete a thorough check of your property to find and remove ant nests with effective and lasting prevention methods.
Looking for professional ant control? Contact us today to learn about your options and set up an appointment today!
