After a long day, all most of us want is to get home and curl up with a tub of ice cream or that apple pie from the weekend. Well, it turns out so do sugar ants. Have you ever walked into your kitchen and found a swarm of bugs trying to crawl off with that forgotten piece of candy your toddler left on the counter? Well, those are sugar ants for you!
Sugar ants, also known as odorous house ants, are attracted to anything sweet. They can march in long lines, invading your countertops and pantry, searching for crumbs, or spilled sugar.
How Can You Tell if You Have a Sugar Ant Problem?
- Live Ants: Spotting a bunch of ants crawling around on your floor, in your cabinets, or on your countertops is the first obvious red flag.
- Outdoor Nests: These sneaky critters love to set up camp under parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. Keep an eye out for small dirt mounds popping up from cracks in the concrete or asphalt. If they’re close to your building, they’ll likely find their way inside.
- Frass: Carpenter ants are the culprits behind this one. They love to build their nests inside walls, tunneling through damp or rotten wooden beams. And what do they leave behind? Piles of sawdust and debris called frass. Not exactly the decor you were going for.
- Swarmers: When a sugar ant colony is thriving, they produce winged reproductives. So, if you spot ants with wings buzzing around your windows or doors, Houston, we’ve got a problem.
- Chewing Noises: These insects, especially carpenter and pavement ants, can make some noise. You may hear them as they go about their business of building cozy homes inside structures. The larger the population, the louder and more noticeable the chewing noises.
How To Get Rid of Sugar Ants In Your Home
Clean, Clean, Clean
First things first, it’s time to channel your inner cleaning superhero. Sugar ants are always on the lookout for food sources, so keeping your kitchen and dining area squeaky clean is crucial. Regularly wipe down countertops, sweep up crumbs, and vacuum any areas where food particles might have fallen. Don’t forget to clean your pet’s feeding area as well because ants are not picky eaters. By eliminating their food supply, you’ll make your home less appealing to these sweet-seeking critters.
Seal the Entry Points
Sugar ants are tiny and can find their way into your home through even the tiniest cracks and crevices. Take some time to inspect your windows, doors, and other potential entry points. Seal up gaps and openings using caulk or weatherstripping. This will help prevent new ant scouts from finding their way inside.
Remove Temptation
To win the war against sugar ants, you need to eliminate any temptation in their path. Store food items in airtight containers, including sugar, honey, and other sweet treats. Don’t leave fruit or food scraps uncovered on your countertops. Keep your pantry organized and regularly check for any signs of ant activity.
Professional Pest Control
Do keep in mind these tips can help limit infestations, but it is most recommended to contact a licensed pest control company. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools to tackle sugar ant infestations effectively. Waynes Services can identify the source of the problem, treat the affected areas, and provide you with a tailored plan to keep those pesky sugar ants at bay. A professional touch is the best way to ensure a sugar ant-free home.
Meredith Boyd, Social Media and Marketing Specialist – www.callwaynes.com
