A Useful Ant Prevention Guide For Wilmington Homeowners

Dealing with an ant infestation is no picnic. These pests not only contaminate food sources, but some species can also even cause property damage. It's important to get an ant infestation under control early before they have a chance to cause a problem.

This informative guide contains information on ant infestations in your home and why homeowners trust Delmar Pest Control for ant control services in Wilmington.

Habits & Behaviors Of Common Home-Invading Ants

All ants have a similar anatomical appearance — a three-sectioned body, antennae, and six legs. They differ in size and color, but all of them are social insects that build and live in colonies. These colonies consist of worker ants and a queen and can contain hundreds of thousands of members.

There are roughly 25 different species of ants known to invade homes. They are highly attracted to sweets and will make their way into your house if you have food sources readily available. Three common species that regularly invade Wilmington area homes are pharaoh ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants. Each of these species can cause huge headaches during an infestation. It's essential to use all ant control solutions available to prevent these pests from causing damage.

The Problems An Ant Infestation Can Create In A Home

Odorous house ants are nuisance pests that are tough to eliminate. If you try to kill them by crushing them, they will emit an unpleasant, rotten coconut smell. If they get into your pantry, they could contaminate your food if not stored properly. Pharaoh ants are tiny and pale yellow. They can contaminate food and spread several pathogens, including salmonella and streptococcus.

Of the three common ant species in the area, carpenter ants are the most destructive. They infest wooden structures in homes and may cause structural damage if the problem is left unchecked. Carpenter ants don't feed on wood; they chew through it to build their nests. If you notice small piles of wood shavings and tiny openings in wooden areas of your home, you may have a carpenter ant infestation.

For any type of ant infestation, contact Delmar Pest Control for effective ant control solutions.

Five Environmentally-Friendly & Effective Ant Prevention Tips

The best way to control ants in your home is to make your property as unattractive to them as possible. If they can't get into your home, they can't infest it. Here are five eco-friendly tips to keep ants out:

1. Eliminate moisture and standing water. Ants are attracted to moist areas, so fix any leaks and consider using dehumidifiers in humid rooms.
2. Don't leave pet food and water out. Ants are just as attracted to pet food as they are to human food. Your pet's water bowl is a source of standing water, so make sure to empty it every night.
3. Remove access points. Inspect the interior and exterior of your home for cracks and seal them. Trim trees and bushes away from your home, as branches are like bridges for ants.
4. Keep your kitchen clean. Wipe down countertops and sweep or vacuum crumbs from the floor often. Store your food in airtight containers with locking lids to keep ants out.
5. Avoid keeping firewood close to your house. Store it at least 20 feet away from your home's exterior walls. Before bringing firewood into your home, inspect it for ants and remove them.

If you have taken precautionary measures and wind up with an infestation, it might be time to contact a specialist in ant pest control near you.

The Most Effective Ant Control In Wilmington

Delmar Pest Control is your top choice for Wilmington pest control. Your satisfaction is our number one priority; all of our ant control solutions are as safe as they are effective. We understand that time is of the essence, which is why we offer same-day pest control services. Call us today to learn more about how we can make your home an ant-free zone.