They may be little, they may not scare people like spiders, and most don’t bite, but if they are in your kitchen or bathroom, you know how annoying ants can be.  We receive more calls about ants than any other pest, especially in the spring.  As the weather warms, the ants venture inside looking for food.  With about 700 species of ants in the United States, most homeowners will see ants at some point.

But beyond being a nuisance, ants can cause both property damage and food contamination.  Homeowners should pay close attention to signs of an infestation and take action if ants are found.

One of the most destructive species is the carpenter ant, which tunnels through wood to build its nest.  The insects enter buidings through small cracks and holes, and tunnel through decaying wood before attacking undamaged wood.  As such, a carpenter ant infestation can cause severe property damage.

The most common home invading species include odorous and non-odorous house ants.  These ants will eat almost anything, including fruit, meats and cheese and can contaminate food sources they infest.

Here are some ways to avoid ant infestations this spring:

–Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water near a home.
–Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
–Keep pet food and water dishes clean and remove any spilled food.
–Keep tree branches cut back from the house.
–Seal cracks and holes around the home.
–Do not store firewood and building materials next to your home.

If ants are a problem in your home or business, give us a call today.  Remember–our programs are PestZero Guaranteed.  If ants (or other pests) come back, Schendel comes back for free!

Have a happy, PestZero spring!