Signs of an Ant Infestation in Your Home

Did you know that ants are the most common household pest in the United States? They can be a nuisance and a health hazard, and very difficult to get rid of. Ants are attracted to food, shelter, and moisture on your property. They can enter through even the smallest cracks or holes. Once inside, they quickly spread and multiply. But here’s the question: if you see a few ants in your house, does that mean you’re dealing with an infestation? Not necessarily. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of an ant infestation in your home.

Common Signs of Ant Infestations

If you spot ants crawling around your home, it might just be a few wandering ants. Or it might be the first sign of a full-scale ant infestation. How do you tell the difference?

• Ant trails: Ants leave pheromone trails behind them to help other ants find their way to food. If you find a line of ants, it may mean that ants are gathering food to bring back to a colony inside your home.
• Ant nests: If you discover an ant nest in your home, that’s not just a clear sign that you have ants. It’s also a sign that the infestation is significant.
• Ant droppings: Ant droppings are small and black. They can be hard to notice, but if you do, it’s a sign that ants may be present.
• Ants in your food: Ants will often eat food, especially sweet foods. If you see ants in your food, it’s likely contaminated and should be thrown away.

Can Ants Damage Your Home?

Yes, ants can cause destruction in several ways including:

• Property damage: Carpenter ants will chew into wooden structures to build galleries where they live.
• Electrical damage: If ants are highly prevalent, they can get into anything. Ants have been known to cause damage to wiring and electronics this way.
• Contamination: Some ants like pharaoh ants are notorious for spreading disease and contaminating food. They are attracted to moist environments, which means they are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is present.

Should You Call a Professional Ant Exterminator?

Yes, because picture this: You’re going about your daily business in your home and notice a group of ants. You might not want to call an ant exterminator in case it’s just a few ants. At the same time, you don’t want the problem to get worse. So, what’s your next move?

If you’re not sure, we offer home pest inspections to put your mind at ease. One of our ant control experts will come to your house, perform a thorough assessment, and tell you if there’s anything to worry about – and if there is, what you can do about it. We recommend getting a home pest inspection when in doubt because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation!