As winter sets in, we've noticed a surge in calls concerning ants. Some calls have been about noticing more fire ant mounds in the lawn, others have been about ants around the patio, and some have them active in their home.
This is common in the colder months of the year, and we wanted to share why and how to get them under control.
Why Ants Steal the Winter Spotlight:
Ants seek warmth in the cold months:
As the temperatures drop, ants naturally seek warmth by tunneling deeper into the ground. This can make mounds much more visible, as the mound grows taller the deeper they tunnel. Additionally, with slower grass growth in winter, ant mounds become more visible, especially if you haven't been mowing as often.
They also tend to seek warmth on concrete surfaces, leading to increased activity on sidewalks and patios. Inside your home, ants may also become more noticeable as they actively search for warmth.
Being aware of these seasonal behaviors allows for proactive pest prevention measures to protect your family and pets.
Preventing Ant Activity:
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Ant Mound Bait:
The most.simple and easy-to-use products are store-bought ant baits that you sprinkle over top the mound. While these do control that mound effectively, it's essential to note that they might lead to the ant colony splitting and creating more mounds.
Generally, the colony splits, moves to a new area without the bait, and continues to be a threat for your family and pets within a couple weeks. If you're looking for short term control, these are a great product to use. -
Contact Pest Control products:
Another method is using a lawn insecticide to drench ant mounds, instead of baiting the mound. The key is to be sure it reaches the queen by applying enough product to penetrate all the tunnels under the mound to reach the queen.
This contact insecticide can be immediately effective, even if it takes more work than sprinkling ant bait. However if the queen isn't reached, the colony will move and begin to grow again.
We recommend mixing the contact Pest control product in a 5 gallon bucket and slowly drenching the mound with a slow pour to allow it to deep into the tunnels rather than run out horizontally over the ground. -
Indoor Ant Pest Control:
Once they have gotten inside your home, ants must be baited near their active areas with a gel bait. You will also need to create a barrier of insect prevention around the outside of your home as well to ensure they stop getting into your home.
Pruning back any palms, trees, or shrubbery touching your home to deny easy access is essential for stopping the pets from getting into your home.
Hiring a Pest Control Professional:
One key differentiating factor between DIY and pest professionals like The Master’s is the access to products not available to homeowners. One example of such is our Top choice program, that is spread throughout your entire lawn and beds to guarantee one full year of a fire ant-free yard.
It also prevents fleas and ticks to keep your pets safe as well. This is just one of the many differences between using big box store products versus hiring a Pest control service.
Professional pest control services like The Master’s Pest Control, use methods that target the underlying causes of ant issues, rather than just chasing the mounds around your lawn or home, and ensure a safe long-term resolution.
If you're dealing with ants, and the DIY methods have left you frustrated and your family at risk, let us analyze your unique situation to get a program that works for you.