Did you know that a carpenter ant nest can hold more than 50,000 workers? While that's an impressive number, it's not something you want in your home. Ants may seem like a little nuisance, but they can cause big damage.
If you've seen an increase of ants indoors lately, you might have an ant infestation. Don't wait until it is too late to contact a professional. Here are 5 signs that you need to call an ant exterminator.
Presence of Ant Nests Ant nests found outdoors or in your home are a major sign of a potential infestation. Nests usually look like a small pile of dirt or soil, but whether you have one ant nest or multiple nests in your home, it can create issues. If you even suspect that you have nests in your home, book a pest inspection right away.
Sawdust Trails Though it may seem minor to see little trails of sawdust in your home, it could indicate a major ant problem. Carpenter ants are usually the culprit since they like to nest in human-made structures and chew up wood, leaving fine dust behind. Because they can cause significant structural damage to your home, they need to be dealt with immediately.
Increased Sightings of Ants Have you noticed ants swarming crumbs of food on the floor, on the counter, or in your pet's food bowl? While ants will travel long distances to get food, if they show up quickly, they may be living in your home.
New Noises Many types of ants, like carpenter ants, are actually active at night. They make a distinct munching sound in the evening hours while crunching on wood and a rustling sound while building nests. So if you've heard either of these sounds coming from inside your walls, floorboards, or woodwork, you might have an infestation.
Bad Odours If your house has taken on a new and terrible odor, you might be infested with a type of ant found in Canada called Odorous House Ants. Just like the name implies, when crushed, they emit a smell similar to rotten coconuts.
What Attracts Ants?
Food is, of course, the biggest attraction for ants since they need protein and carbohydrates to keep their queen and colony fed. Some ants also come indoors to escape harsh weather. There could be multiple reasons that ants have moved in, so it's best to have a professional assessment of the situation.
Things To Do Before Calling an Ant Exterminator
There are some preventative measures that you can take before the professionals arrive. Try to empty your garbage regularly to eliminate attractive odours for ants, keep surfaces clean of crumbs, and seal any cracks or potential entries for pests. This prep work can help compliment the measures that the pest control company will take.
Ready To Get Professional Help?
If you recognize any of these signs of ants in your home, it is time to call a professional. An ant exterminator can help save you from potentially expensive property damage and get rid of ants. Plus, they can also prevent future infestations.
For expert advice and 24/7 emergency pest control services in the Okanagan Valley, contact Bugman Pest Control. We serve the communities of Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and surrounding areas for all your pest control needs.