Ants, those industrious and often unassuming tiny things, can wreak havoc when they decide to invade your home or business. While their size may be small, their presence can lead to expensive consequences for property owners.
From food contamination to structural damage, ant infestations demand attention and swift action to mitigate their impact.
Although black or garden ants aren’t thought to carry diseases, they can be a problem when they get into your home. Considering that ants frequently travel through unsanitary areas before they end up on your countertops, you won’t want them marching through your food cupboards!
Understanding Ant Behaviour
Ants are social insects, living in colonies that can number in the thousands or even millions. Their ability to work together with precision and efficiency is incredible. However, 
when they turn their attention to invading human spaces, they become a costly nuisance.
While there are thousands of ant species worldwide, some of the most common culprits of infestations include Argentine ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants. That’s why understanding ant behaviour and pest control methods is so important.
Effects of an ant infestation
One of the most noticeable effects of an ant infestation is the contamination of food. Ants are highly attracted to sugary foods, proteins, and fats, making kitchens and pantries prime targets for their foraging efforts.
Once they get to a food source, they leave behind chemical trails, allowing other ants to follow and join in the feast. This not only compromises food safety but can also lead to significant economic losses as contaminated foods must be discarded.
Beyond the kitchen, ants can also cause damage to property structures. Carpenter ants, in particular, pose a significant threat as they tunnel through wood to build their nests.
Over time, these tunnels weaken the structural integrity of wooden beams, floors, and walls, potentially leading to costly repairs and renovations. Ignoring the signs of a carpenter ant infestation can result in extensive damage that may require professional intervention to rectify.
Ants can compromise health and safety standards
Ant infestations can have implications for businesses beyond the immediate costs of spoilt food and property damage. In industries such as food service, hospitality, and healthcare, the presence of ants can ruin reputations and compromise health and safety standards.
Negative reviews, loss of customer trust, and regulatory fines are just some of the consequences businesses may face if they fail to address ant infestations promptly and effectively.
Prevent and control ant infestations
Fortunately, there are proactive measures property owners can take to prevent and control ant infestations. Maintaining cleanliness and proper sanitation practices can help reduce the attractiveness of spaces to foraging ants. Sealing cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations can also limit access points for invading colonies.
Additionally, removing sources of moisture and eliminating potential nesting sites, such as piles of organic debris or
decaying wood, can deter ants from establishing colonies nearby.
Some common signs of ant infestations include:
- Trails and Clusters: Ants form trails and cluster around food sources, becoming a nuisance in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
- Piles of Earth: Small piles of earth around holes in the soil or at the base of exterior walls indicate the presence of ant colonies.
If you have a larger problem that your usual DIY ant control product or the above mentioned, cannot resolve, you can rely on our experts to clear it up.
When to get professional help
Despite your best efforts, ant infestations can sometimes prove challenging to eradicate without professional help.
Rentokil pest control experts have the knowledge, experience, and specialised tools necessary to identify ant species, locate nesting sites, and implement targeted treatment strategies. Our pest control professionals use a variety of methods tailored to the unique needs of each infestation. Rentokil experts are knowledgeable in ant behaviour and pest control.
Our pest control services and products are perfectly safe to use around your family and pets. CONTACT US.
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