Ants

What Seattle Residents Need To Know About Small Ant Pest Control!

Small ants are a member of the social insect species, meaning they travel and live in colonies. They also work, forage for food, and guard the queen and young from predators. Scientists have successfully identified about 12,000 species of ants, including the small ant. The insect is easily identifiable by its tri-segmented body held together by joints and strong mandibles, which are utilized for tunnel-erecting, food-foraging, and safety.

Small ants are commonly seen traveling in colonies along grassy paths, walkways, and driveways. You can see where their tunnel begins. Just about the tunnel opening, a mound of sand or dirt is visible to the naked eye. If you monitor the opening carefully, you may discover a few ants moving about. If they sense your presence, they will most likely run for cover. This is the first sign of a small ant infestation.

Why Is My Seattle Home Under A Small Ant Attack?

Small ants are opportunist pests, as many insect species. They are always on the lookout for a new food source. If your home is vulnerable, meaning it has available access points, it will be under a constant ant attack. The only way to remove the ant threat is to eliminate the access points, which are more commonly located around doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures. We recommend utilizing a waterproof sealant, such as caulk or silicone to fill in tiny gaps, cracks, and crevices. Larger openings will need to be fitted with customized plywood.

Do Ant Spread Diseases To Humans And Animals?

No, ants have not been connected to human or animal diseases or parasites. However, they have been associated with foodborne illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella. Foodborne illnesses are always linked to contaminated and water and food. Ants consume or travel through contaminated materials, which are later deposited in processed food or on surfaces utilized to prepare food. The household members eventually ingest the contaminated food, resulting in a foodborne illness.

Foodborne illnesses are generally not dangerous in healthy young people, but elderly vulnerable adults are at high risk of a life-threatening situation.

What Is The Best Pest Control Approach For Ant Infestations In Seattle?

We believe our professional pest management is the solution for ant infestations. This service combines routine in-home inspections, professional-grade treatment, and a prevention strategy. All of these services are combined into a single payment to ensure access to all Seattle consumers. Our goal has always been to bring Seattle residents and businesses professional-grade and commercial-grade extermination services. So far, we have been doing great, according to our hundreds of customers.

Will DIY Pest Control Work For Ant Infestations?

It can, but only in mild cases. We do not recommend DIY pest control products like over-the-counter pesticides for moderate to severe pest infestations, including the small ant species. Our exterminators will access your ant infestation to determine the severity, which is necessary for the development of a customized pest management strategy.

Ant infestations are extremely complex because they generally involve a satellite and larger colonies. The satellite colony refers to the group of insects inside the home. The main colony is situated on the perimeter of your property where they are hidden away inside underground tunnels.

The extensive ant tunneling system is why DIY pest control does not work for moderate to severe ant infestations.

Is Ant Pesticides Harmful For The Environment?

Chemical-based pesticides do contain toxins that may pose risks to the environment. However, Seattle exterminators can minimize these risks by only utilizing pest control products approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-approved pest control products have been deemed “safe” for the environment when administered, transported, stored, and handled per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

What Steps Should I Take To Prevent Repeat Ant Infestations?

The first step is to obtain a “pest-free” status from our licensed exterminators. Once your home meets the criteria of a pest-free environment, then it will be time to develop a prevention plan. The plan must target your home’s structural vulnerabilities, such as the access points mentioned above. We like to refer to this as your home’s pest barrier.

In addition to the pest barrier improvement, we recommend targeting your food storage system. This is the only way to combat foodborne illness risks associated with ant infestations. The transition from the manufacturer’s packaging, such as plastic bags and paperboard, to glass and thick plastic containers with lids.

We will work with you to develop a professional pest control strategy that targets all of the aforementioned issues. The strategy will include routine pest inspections and treatment whenever necessary. Our exterminators will work with you and your family to bring everyone up-to-date with the latest pest control treatments and breakouts in Seattle.

Do not hesitate to take advantage of our free in-home pest inspections, consultations, and quotes, which are all available per appointment only.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.