With spring just around the corner, many common household pests will soon be in season again. This includes the various types of ants found in the Bradenton area. Ant control for homeowners is a major nuisance; it can be difficult to determine where their nests are, and even more difficult to get rid of them. If you need help with pest control in Bradenton for ants, our team at Westfall’s Lawn Care and Pest Control Services is ready and able to meet your needs.
Life Cycle And Diets Of Common Ants
An ant begins its life cycle as an egg. Individual eggs are tiny, and a single queen ant can lay millions of eggs over her lifetime. Some eggs are eaten by the colony for nourishment. An egg that hatches becomes a larva, a worm-like creature with no arms or legs. Larvae are completely dependent on adult ants for food. Each larva grows rapidly, becoming a pupa. Pupae look more like adults but are generally lighter in color, and their legs and antenna are folded in. When a pupa is full-grown, it becomes an adult. The entirety of this process can take several weeks or months, depending on the environment and the species of ant involved. These pests have many sources of food, including leaves, seeds, nectar, honeydew, and smaller insects. Many species will also eat household foods like cereal, dried meat, rice, and chocolate.
Why Ants In The House Can Be So Problematic
Many ants in Bradenton will infest food sources in the home, contaminating them and potentially spreading bacteria or fungi. These pests often make their nests in rotting or damaged wood, which may lead to structural problems and intensify moisture issues. Some species, such as the fire ant, have painful stings. This may affect people who are allergic to ant venom. These pests can also nest in lawns and create large mounds that require outdoor ant control in addition to indoor solutions.
How And Why Ants Find Their Way Into Our Homes
The ideal place for ants to nest is a warm space that is easily protected and close to reliable sources of food and moisture. Unfortunately, a house makes an excellent place for ants to live. Ants are attracted by easily accessible sources of food, such as food particles and uncovered food items. Cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home, such as places where wires or pipes enter from the outside, are prime entryways for ants. Moist soil or wet leaves near the exterior of your house are also likely breeding grounds since ants need moisture to survive.
The Most Effective Ant Control Method For Bradenton Homes
Here are a few simple steps you can take to minimize the chances of an ant infestation in your Bradenton home.
- Clean up any food messes in places where you eat, and make sure to keep food in sealed bags or containers.
- Clean your pantry, floors, cabinets, and other surfaces regularly.
- Minimize areas of increased moisture, such as gutters or water leaks.
- Look for gaps in the exterior of your home and seal them up to prevent entry.
- Use a vacuum to remove ants that you find inside your home.
Though there are some methods of do-it-yourself home pest control for ants, they are often more frustrating than effective. If you find yourself with an ant infestation, your best option is to contact a professional ant control service near your home. Our team at Westfall’s Lawn Care and Pest Control has been serving the Bradenton area since 2001. We are state-certified and offer same-day service as well as an evaluation at no cost to you. Call us today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Bradenton, and let us help you with your ant pest control needs.
"We have used a number of pest control companies over the past 30 years, Carson and the team at Westfall are some of the best in the business! Highly professional, knowledgeable and great to work with. Highly recommend Westfall for your ALL our Pest Control needs!"
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