6 Most Popular Signs Of An Ant Infestation
Ants are a common pest and can be hard to get rid of. The good news is that there are a few signs you can look for to tell if you have an ant infestation.
1. Visible Ants
Ants are known to be very strong for their size, and they can communicate using scents. This allows them to form paths and roadways to move about their hive. These pathways can be very helpful in making sure that ants are getting the food they need, so if you have a problem with ants, be sure to follow their trail. This will help you determine where they are coming from and where they are going. If you notice that your kitchen or bathroom has a lot of visible ants, the first thing you should do is clean it thoroughly. This will remove any crumbs or spills that may be attracting them. Then, take any trash cans or other ant-covered items outside to a covered outdoor waste receptacle. This will help get rid of the ants and their pheromones, which attract other creepy crawlers into your home. In addition, if you notice any nests or ant trails in your home, it is important to call an ant control specialist immediately. This will help ensure that the problem is dealt with quickly and effectively so that it does not recur in the future.
2. Seeing Ant Nests
Ants are always on the lookout for food and water sources. When they find something that is palatable to them, they will bring it back to the nest to share with their fellow ants. They are also known to feast on sugary foods, such as candy and ice cream. This is why you’ll often find ants in your kitchen, looking for food crumbs and leftovers. Some ants also lay down scent trails to indicate where they’ve found food for their colony. These trails help other ants locate their source and will make it easier for you to spot an infestation. If you see a nest, it’s important to get the problem taken care of as quickly as possible. This will help prevent the spread of ants throughout your home and will keep you from experiencing an outbreak.
3. Ant Trails
Ant trails are the most obvious signs that your home has an ant infestation. These paths lead ants from their nest to specific food sources in your home. These paths are usually made of pheromones that the ants leave behind as they move along them. The pheromones are important for communication between ants. They tell them where to find food, whether there’s a predator or if there are other ants nearby. The pheromones are made up of different chemicals that vary from species to species, and they last for a short time. For example, carpenter ants have a scent trail that lasts for a few days. Pavement ants and fire ants, on the other hand, have a scent trail that lasts for only 10 minutes. Ant trails can be easily spotted by inspecting any areas that have vegetation, guidelines or structural siding. Remember that environmental conditions will alter these trails, especially direct sunlight and temperature.
4. Piles of Sawdust
If you find huge piles of sawdust on the ground, around wooden steps or window frames, you have an ant infestation. These piles are made of insect droppings, known as frass, that carpenter ants and drywood termites leave in their galleries as they feed on wood. Carpenter ants dig tunnels into wood to create space for themselves and their larvae to develop. The tunnels they create are about the size of a dime, but they may extend up to eight inches. Occasionally, the bugs tunnel through solid surfaces, such as walls or floors. If they are causing damage, you might notice a small hole at the end of the tunnel. Another sign that you have an ant infestation is wood that crumbles or is easily cut into with a knife. This means that ants have weakened the structure of the wood and are pushing it apart. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, call a pest control professional immediately to inspect the situation. They can determine what type of bug is causing the problem and help you solve it quickly. They’ll also tell you what to do to prevent future ant problems.
5. Hollow Sounds
When you hear hollow sounds coming from your walls or floors, this is a good indication that there are ants living in your house. It also suggests that the ants are actively trying to build their nests in your home. Another important sign of an ant infestation is the presence of rotting wood around your home. This type of damage is caused by carpenter ants, and can lead to serious structural problems in your home. Carpenter ants are responsible for millions of dollars in property damage each year. They burrow through wet rotted wood and chew through the structure of your home, which can lead to expensive repairs in the future. If you see a large pile of dirt outside your home, it can be a sign that ants have dug a hole and made a nest underground. If you notice any of these signs, call a professional pest control expert right away.
6. Dead Ants
When it comes to the most obvious signs of an ant infestation, dead ants are one of them. It’s not uncommon to see dead ants lying on the ground near your home. You may also notice discarded wings on your floors and windows sills, especially during mating season or when ants move to a new nest. Overall, they are a major indicator of an interior ant problem and can be the first sign you have to call in pest control services.