Ants Are Main Pest Concern
Homeowners have revealed that the number one pest concern is the ant.
As of 2006 there are 9,000 to 10,000 known ant species and researchers believe that there may be more than 20,000 species worldwide. With this fact in mind it is no surprise that 25% of homeowners listed ants as their main pest concern according to research conducted in 2005 by the National Pest Management Association.
This same study revealed that more than half of all homeowners have had problems with ants – making them the most prevalent pest nationwide.
Ants are social insects and form highly organised colonies with millions of members, each having a role. Spotting one ant unfortunately signifies that the troops may be somewhere close by. "Ants are one of the most difficult pest to control. As temperatures rise they become more active and can destroy wood, contaminate food and create quite a nuisance for homeowners," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA.
Homeowners should particularly watch out for Pharaoh’s Ants, which forage widely for food and water often creating many nest sites. Due to their preference for feeding in unhygenic areas, Pharaoh’s Ants also pose a risk to public health.
Mannes advises, "homeowners should call a pest professional to handle and prevent parades of ants marching through their homes. A pest professional will be able to identify which species of ants are present and can help treat problem areas."
Attack Pest Control’s Tips for Minimising Invasion by Ants:
- Keep wood and debris away from exterior siding doors;
- Keep kitchens clean: seal containers, wipe counters frequently, empty the rubbish religiously, and avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time;
- Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.
- Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house.
- Seal up cracks and small openings along bottom of the house.
- Store sugar, syrup, honey, baked goods, and other sweets in closed containers that have been washed to remove residues from their exterior surfaces.
If you have an ant pest control problem, contact Attack Pest Control where one of our qualified engineers will be happy to offer you advice and solutions to your problem.