How Ant Infestations Start In Richmond, VA Homes
November 26, 2020
Ants seem to be everywhere, all the time. Due to this, Richmond homeowners may be nonchalant about having pest remediation to kill or block them out. They assume the issue will rectify itself, and that these bugs can’t do any major harm. This is a common misconception that puts a lot of residents in precarious circumstances. Ants hold bacteria on their bodies that can spur multiple human illnesses. Additionally, some species have the ability to ruin belongings or buildings.
By taking a few moments to read about local ants, you’ll learn what you may be facing with them specifically. You’ll discover how they operate, what the risks are, and what it takes to keep them out. Go-Forth Pest Control can be instrumental in this process.
What Ants Infest Richmond Homes? What Are the Risks?
Pharaoh, odorous house, and carpenter ants are three of the most frequent species in the area. Being pretty dainty, pharaoh ants are 0.12 of an inch long or smaller. This class is distinguished by the red and black markings on their stomachs. The rest of their bodies are yellow-brown. Food, moisture, and/or shelter is what motivates them to invade dwellings. Nests could be anywhere, including pantries, meal packages, and pipe chases. The amber-colored workers are a walking sign of infestation.
Odorous house ants especially have a reputation for entering domiciles. They are about the same length as their pharaoh counterparts, but brown or black instead. Another similarity to their relatives is that they’re drawn to dampness, along with humidity. This is why you’ll find them gathering around utilities and in heaters. These bugs will settle in paneling, floor voids, structural gaps, and carpeting. A smell of spoiled coconut will come from their bodies when they’re smashed. Moderate pain will occur with their bites. You’ll know you have an infestation if you simply see them.
Carpenter ants aren’t as microscopic as their family members. Their frames are 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long. Many are black in color, but there are several exceptions. They can be yellow, red, brown, reddish-black, orange, or tan. Swarmers with wings are a part of their colonies. Being wood-destroying insects, these ants tear up wood and foundations with their nests and burrowing. Outdoors, they concentrate on trees, lumber, and logs. Indications of a takeover are piles of wood shavings, hollow sounding walls, hearing noises in structures, and catching swarmers.
How Can You Prevent Richmond Ants?
It’s no task for ants to get inside your home, as they can crawl through holes the size of a needle point. Once they penetrate, they are tough to manage. These pests can reproduce rather quickly. Considering the facts, year-round preventative measures are needed, such as:
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Placing wood, plants, and flowers at least two feet away from the property
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Never allow free pieces of wood, like carpentry panels, to touch soil
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Sealing crevices in foundations, doors, windows, and utilities
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Checking your door sweeps and window screens to make sure they’re intact
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Promptly wipe up food messes and drink spills
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Thoroughly clean cabinets, pantries, countertops, dishes, and beneath appliances
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Routinely take out the trash and vacuum
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Using containers with tight lids for food and garbage storage
What Can Go-Forth Pest Control Do About Richmond Ants?
The technicians at Go-Forth Pest Control have the expertise to identify ant species with accuracy and efficiency. This will help them select just the right treatment for extermination. Our powerful solutions are safe, so don’t worry about exposure to harsh chemicals. Colonies will be dismantled and a protective barrier will be in place. When you call Go-Forth Pest Control today, you’ll have access to a free quote! Dial us up!
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