Have you found a few ants in your home? Well, bad news. They’re not alone.
There’s likely a colony hanging out somewhere in your house. Even if you only see a few walking across your kitchen floor, laying down store-bought traps or crushing them where they stand isn’t going to cut it.
Keep reading to learn how to identify an ant infestation and how to decide when you need to hire a trained professional.
Identifying an Infestation
In 2018, an Edmonton resident suffered $100,000 in damages due to carpenter ants living in the walls of her home. In 2016, she noticed a few ants and tried to use insect killer spray to no avail. By the time she called an exterminator, the ants had destroyed the insulation and frame of her home, which in turn allowed severe water damage to occur.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants (Camponotus herculeanus) are the most common ants in Alberta. Carpenter ants are large, black, and have a skinny thorax. They are one of the most destructive ants to homes and they can enter homes through windows, empty spaces in the foundation, or catch a ride on firewood brought in from outside.
A few signs you may be dealing with carpenter ants are loose sawdust-like piles of debris near wooden beams or structures or shed wings on the floor near the walls.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are another common sight in homes. They are small, light brown or red ants that are attracted to dark, damp areas, like basements, underneath floorboards, and near an accessible food sources like fruit, food waste, and dead insects. The colonies they create may have up to hundreds of thousands of ants.
It is very unlikely you will be able to handle an infestation of pharaoh ants on your own. If you think you are dealing with Pharaoh ants, it’s important to consult a professional. An experienced technician can identify the type of ant you are dealing with and explain how to get rid of them.
The Treatment Process
When you hire a pest control specialist, you will need to prepare your home. If the ants have made their way into your cupboards or are infesting your food pantry, you’ll need to do the following to prepare:
- Remove everything from the food pantry or cupboard
- Clear shelves and counters
- Move all furniture at least 6 inches away from the baseboards all around your home
- Keep clothes off the floor
- Anyone in the home must leave for a minimum of 4 hours
If chemicals are applied along the baseboards, do not vacuum or clean the area for a minimum of 3 months. The type of treatment your home will undergo is determined by the technician who will give you the details before and after the treatment.
Ant Exterminator Edmonton: A Permanent Solution
It’s best to get advice from the experts before trying to take pest control on as a DIY project. So, if you’re looking to hire a professional in Edmonton or surrounding areas, At Maritime Pest Control Inc. we offer cost-effective, custom treatment plans.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule a free consultation. Put your pest problem to rest.
