Making Pest Issues Past Issues
Serving Lancaster County PA and the Surrounding Area
Ant Control Treatment
No one wants ants to invade their home and if you live in central Pennsylvania, you know that multiple types of ants often cause damage to your property. Understanding the behavior and properly identifying ant species is crucial to effectively kill ants and prevent future infestations.
The good news is, Keystone Pest Solutions can treat ANY ant problem you have. Our treatments can effectively, professionally, and affordably get rid of these tiny invaders from your home. Whether it’s due to a moisture issue, food, or sanitary issue, our experienced technicians will inspect and treat the source of the ant problem.
Have ants in Central PA? We can help!
Common Ant Species and Characteristics
The most common ant species in central PA that we deal with are Odorous House Ants, Carpenter Ants, Pavement Ants, and Sugar Ants. Don't let these tiny invaders take over your home! Knowing their unique characteristics and habits can help you identify and take action to control them.
Odorous House Ants
These little stinkers (aptly named!) are notorious for emitting a foul odor when crushed, resembling rotten coconut. They’re small, measuring only 1/8 inch long, and vary in color from dark brown to black. Odorous house ants love moisture and are frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms, on the hunt for sugary treats and greasy crumbs.
Pavement Ants
As the name suggests, pavement ants favor nesting near or under sidewalks and driveways. These black or brown ants are tiny, typically measuring between 1/10 to 1/5 of an inch. Omnivores by nature, pavement ants will scavenge for various food sources but have a particular sweet tooth.
Carpenter Ants
Unlike their odoriferous counterparts, carpenter ants are much larger, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They can be black, reddish, or yellowish-brown. While they don’t eat wood, these ants excavate tunnels within it, which can weaken structures over time. Carpenter ant infestations can be prevented by eliminating moisture problems and vegetation around the home. They feed on a variety of sources including sugar, dead insects, honeydew excreted by aphids, plant exudates, and dead animals. Look for them near water sources and damp areas.
Sugar Ants
This term is often used interchangeably with Odorous House Ants due to their attraction to sugary foods. However, there are other ant species with a similar fondness for sweets. Keep an eye out for trails of ants leading to sugary spills or crumbs to pinpoint the exact culprit.
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Common Ant Control Methods
Natural Ant Killers and DIY Solutions
Many homeowners prefer to try natural methods of pest control treatment before calling a professional pest treatment company. Here are some popular DIY solutions you can consider:
Natural Ant Killers
Boric acid can be mixed with sugar to create a bait that attracts and eliminates ants. Diatomaceous earth, a powder made from fossilized algae, dehydrates ants on contact and can be sprinkled around entry points. White vinegar, a natural disinfectant, can also be used to disrupt ant trails and deter them. Additionally, natural essential oils like peppermint or clove can be used as a natural ant killer.
DIY Sprays & Chemicals
For a quick repellent, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. You can also explore creating homemade sprays using essential oils like peppermint or clove, which have natural insect repelling properties. One thing that is important to note! When using essential oils, always dilute them properly with a carrier oil like olive oil before spraying.
Of course, we want to help with your ant problem but it’s always a good idea to try natural solutions. They can be effective but might not always offer long-lasting control as compared to our professional ant treatment service. Additionally, some methods, like essential oils, may require repeated applications and might not be suitable for all situations.
Ant Bait and Traps: Effective Solutions
If you're dealing with an ant infestation, ant baits offer a strategic solution. Unlike sprays that only kill the ants that you see, baits take aim at decimating the entire colony. Here's what makes them baiting and trapping effective:
- Worker Delivery System: Ant baits come in convenient stations or containers containing a slow-acting poison. Worker ants are attracted to the bait and take it back to the nest, sharing it with the queen and other colony members.
- Long-Term Elimination: The slow-acting poison in ant baits is key. It allows worker ants to return to the colony and distribute the bait before they die. This continuous cycle disrupts the colony's growth and eventually eliminates the queen, leading to long-term ant control.
- Variety of Options: There are different types of ant baits available to suit your needs. Liquid baits work well indoors, while granular baits can be used effectively outdoors to target hidden ant nests around the perimeter of your home.
Eliminating Ant Colonies
Ant control treatment plans should include killing the entire colony. Targeting worker ants is crucial because they are responsible for feeding the queen and the rest of the colony. Just spraying an ant with a typical ant spray will only kill a few at best and scatter the colony. When it all boils down, you typically have three primary means for killing ants permanently: ant bait devices, diatomaceous earth, or call a local pest control company. (That's us!)
Sealing Entry Points and Cracks
Ants are persistent creatures, so while sealing entry points is crucial, it's important to be realistic about eliminating every single one. Focus on caulking and sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and your foundation to significantly reduce potential access points. Remember, even small gaps can be an entryway for these determined insects.
Maintaining a Clean and Sanitized Home
Ants are drawn to crumbs and sweet scents, so depriving them of a food source is key to prevention. Practice good hygiene by keeping surfaces clean, washing dishes promptly, and storing food in airtight containers. Avoid leaving sugary treats or pet food on countertops, as these are like dinner bells for ants. Finally, don't forget to seal any potential entry points around windows, doors, and your foundation to make your home less inviting to these tiny intruders.
Professional Ant Control
- If you are still experiencing ant infestations, then it’s time to call an ant exterminator or other professional pest control services.
- Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an infestation of sugar ants persists. They can be very difficult to remove without the proper treatment.
When To Call a Professional Exterminator
While DIY methods can be effective for small infestations, persistent ant problems may require professional intervention. If you've implemented strategies like sealing entry points, maintaining a clean home, and using targeted treatments like ant baits, but the ants are still marching on, it's time to call a professional pest control service. We have the expertise and specialized tools to locate and eradicate the entire ant colony, ensuring a long-term solution to your ant woes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ant Control
How safe is the treatment for my kids and pets?
All of our materials are applied safely, professionally, and according to label instructions. In some cases, we may recommend that children and pets remain out of a treated area until the materials have dried, typically for about an hour. The safety of our clients, their Families and pets is our number one concern at Keystone Pest Solutions!
How long will it take to get rid of the ants?
At Keystone Pest Solutions, we do our best to provide immediate relief from interior ant invasions. We typically ask that our clients allow 10 days for our treatments to be fully effective. That being said, certain ant species are very resilient and can bounce back weeks or even months after our first treatment. This is why we always recommend our quarterly program for clients with ant issues.
Do I need to leave the house during the treatment?
You will never be asked to leave your home during treatment. The materials we use are all water based, so once the product has been safely applied at a low pressure to the targeted area, nothing will evaporate into the air but the water. There are no unpleasant odors or chemicals in the air.
How much does ant control cost?
All of our program services are fairly and affordably priced based upon the size of the structure we are treating. Our quarterly pest control program pricing is based on the number of linear feet around the exterior perimeter of the building. Quarterly services start at $98.00 (plus tax) per service. One-time treatments start at $159.00 (plus tax).
What happens if the ants come back after the treatment?
Keystone Pest Solutions' quarterly pest control service comes with our unlimited service warranty. This means that if you experience unwanted pest activity between scheduled visits, we will return at no charge to help you. This gives our clients the peace of mind of knowing that we always are just a call, text, or email away!
One-time treatments typically come with a 30 day warranty, but are not our recommended course of action when ant activity is present.
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