Despite their small size, ants are the most common nuisance pest in Greater Philadelphia. If you notice even a few ants on your property, it could signal a larger infestation in the near future.
Ants are highly communicative and adaptable, allowing them to relocate and expand their colonies with ease. Simply smashing or spraying visible ants won’t solve the problem—hidden colony members will continue following pheromone trails to food sources.
Smaller infestations may respond to baiting, but proper techniques and product selection are crucial. Ants are selective in their food preferences depending on the season, making it essential to use the right bait for successful elimination.
Professional pest control services are a reliable way to eliminate ant infestations. Licensed exterminators provide free inspections, identify the ant species, and implement a customized treatment plan to eradicate the problem at its source.
Ants come in various sizes, up to an inch long, and may be brown, black, red, or yellow. Their bodies consist of three distinct parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. Although they resemble termites, ants are more closely related to wasps.
Ant colonies have a hierarchy:
Eliminating the queen is key to stopping an infestation—once she dies, the colony cannot reproduce and will collapse within months.
Most ants are harmless, but some species will bite or sting when threatened. Identifying the species is essential for effective pest control.
Ants thrive in diverse environments worldwide, except for Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, and a few island nations. They commonly nest near decaying wood, under soil, or within leaf piles.
Typical ant colonies contain up to 500,000 worker ants, making infestations difficult to handle alone. A survey by the National Pest Management Association found that ants most frequently invade kitchens and bathrooms due to their search for food and moisture.
Ants are omnivorous scavengers that consume a variety of foods:
Once ants locate a food source in your home, they leave pheromone trails, leading others straight to it. Their small size allows them to access even the tiniest food crumbs, making infestations persistent and frustrating.
Most ants do not cause structural damage, but carpenter ants are an exception. These pests burrow into wood, creating tunnels that weaken walls, beams, and door frames. If left unchecked, they can compromise the integrity of homes and buildings.
Additionally, outdoor ant colonies can disrupt lawns and gardens, creating soft, uneven soil that damages plant roots.
While ants do not transmit diseases like mosquitoes or rodents, they can spread bacteria. As they move through trash, bathrooms, and other unsanitary areas, they pick up germs and transfer them to kitchens and food storage areas.
To minimize health risks, avoid consuming food that has come into contact with ants.
Signs of an ant problem include:
To keep ants out, take these preventive measures:
Ant infestations are challenging to eliminate without professional intervention. Effective treatment requires identifying the species, locating and destroying the nest, and applying specialized solutions.
Don't let ants take over your home—trust our expert team to handle the problem effectively.
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