6 Factors that may Lead to Ant Infestation in your Home
Out of approximately 12,000 identified species of ants, there are relatively few species that are considered pests. However, of these pest ants, there are ants that can cause damage to infrastructure, spread disease, and bite and sting. Arizona has been environmentally accommodating to many ant species, and only a handful which are determined invasive. Most commonly, we get calls for ants invading patios and ants finding their way into the home. Beginning in May, ant populations in Fountain Hills and surrounding areas begin to stir and they become much more active in growth. Some species will interconnect colonies creating very large infrastructures. Such large numbers can be difficult to control in short periods of time. Ant species may also change their feeding habits depending on the time of year and the short term goals of the colony. This can pose a challenge for pest management professionals when previous baits were desirable to the colony, but now seem to be ignored.
According to the Tenth Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control (2011), these factors contribute to ant populations:
1. Poor Sanitation
2. Excessive moisture and the resulting damage
3. Cracks in the foundation of the structure
4. Excessive mulch
5. Stacked tile, lumber, bricks and various debris
6. Ornamental plants infested with homopteran insects (honey dew secreting insects that ants tend to for food)
Homeowners should be aware of these factors and they should be addressed accordingly. Rectifying these issues will aid in the control when coupled with a professional treatment.
Tags: ant control, ant infestation, arizona, az, fountain hills, pest control
Out of approximately 12,000 identified species of ants, there are relatively few species that are considered pests. However, of these pest ants, there are ants that can cause damage to infrastructure, spread disease, and bite and sting. Arizona has been environmentally accommodating to many ant species, and only a handful which are determined invasive. Most commonly, we get calls for ants invading patios and ants finding their way into the home. Beginning in May, ant populations in Fountain Hills and surrounding areas begin to stir and they become much more active in growth. Some species will interconnect colonies creating very large infrastructures. Such large numbers can be difficult to control in short periods of time. Ant species may also change their feeding habits depending on the time of year and the short term goals of the colony. This can pose a challenge for pest management professionals when previous baits were desirable to the colony, but now seem to be ignored.
According to the Tenth Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control (2011), these factors contribute to ant populations:
1. Poor Sanitation
2. Excessive moisture and the resulting damage
3. Cracks in the foundation of the structure
4. Excessive mulch
5. Stacked tile, lumber, bricks and various debris
6. Ornamental plants infested with homopteran insects (honey dew secreting insects that ants tend to for food)
Homeowners should be aware of these factors and they should be addressed accordingly. Rectifying these issues will aid in the control when coupled with a professional treatment.
Tags: ant control, ant infestation, arizona, az, fountain hills, pest control
