Have you said, "I'm glad that's in my rearview mirror!" That saying, and others similar to it, is about putting something behind us that was not a good experience. An infestation of ants in your McAllen home is not a pleasant life experience.
It is unnerving to have ants running along the kitchen baseboard or to see them scurry across the bathroom countertop as you prepare for the day. When you see ants in your house, you feel itchy and invaded, and you want to make their presence in your McAllen home something you see in the proverbial rearview mirror.
The best way to say good riddance to ants in the house is to secure the McAllen pest control experts at BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control. We have removed ants from homes since 2004. Our commitment to effective pest control at reasonable prices, eco-friendly products, and using quality, trained technicians has consistently earned us hundreds of five-star Google Review ratings.
Signs Of An Ant Infestation
How do you know if the sight of an ant or two is a fluke or if they are stragglers from a nest hidden in your home? If you see the following, you probably have an ant infestation:
- Discarded wings
- Pinholes in wood
- Sawdust like piles
- Lines of ants
- Ant nests
- Live ants
Most ant colonies start using a method known as swarming. Swarmers are winged, reproductive ants that usually fly in the spring. After mating, the females discard their wings (the males die shortly after mating). Look for discarded wings on window sills.
Carpenter ants create pinholes in wood as they bore smooth tunnels into wood. During their excavations, they shove the wood shavings and fecal matter into the opening creating a pile of saw-dust-like material.
Ants release pheromones alerting other ants to food sources. Lines of ants along baseboards indicate they have found food and are following the chemical trails into the house. The source of these lines is often ant nests in the yard, inside the walls, or appliances.
If you see these indicators, you need ant pest control service, BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control.
An Ant Infestation Is A Bigger Problem Than You May Think
Ants are a nuisance, but they do more than annoy us when they are inside the house. All ants contaminate as the bacteria on their claws transfer to exposed foods and surfaces. An infestation of carpenter ants can weaken the wooden structures in the house as they bore nesting tunnels in softwoods. Fire ants inflict painful blisters that can cause those sensitive to the venom to experience anaphylactic shock. Crazy ants sometimes create large nests in appliances and chew through circuit board wiring, causing appliance failure. Harvester ants harm the landscaping around the house.
BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control offers ant pest control services near you. We will stop the infestation before significant damage occurs.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of An Ant Infestation
The best way to stop ants in McAllen from invading your house is to use the ant pest control company near you, BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control. We will dispatch an experienced, certified technician to your McAllen home. Our technician will inspect the interior and exterior for signs of ants, entry points, attractants, and ant hot spots. We will also work to determine the species to provide a targeted eco-friendly treatment.
In addition to our exterior treatment, the initial application will include the interior, where we will focus on treating nesting locations to eradicate the current adult population and their eggs. Next, we will apply a product in the garage, around the house, and in the yard. We provide various retreatment plans to ensure your home remains ant-free for years.
Don't Forget These Ant Prevention Tips
Ants are necessary for a properly functioning ecosystem and will always surround your McAllen home. We will get rid of ants in your home and create an effective barrier around your house. However, if you want to safeguard against a future infestation, implement these tips:
- Seal cracks in the foundation and along the roofline
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the structure
- Dehymidify the crawl space, basement, and attic
- Repair leaking plumbing fixtures and pipes
- Close indoor garbage cans
- Remove pet food from bowls before retiring to bed
- Wash and store dishes at the end of the night
- Store food in sealable plastic or glass containers
- Vacuum the house regularly
- Suction out corners and cracks
When a BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control certified technician inspects your home, they can provide additional exclusion ideas and deterrence tips. Contact us today to learn about our McAllen home pest control services and get a free quote.