ANT FACTS
Pesky ants can go from the yard, under the patio, through seams or a tiny hole hole in the wall, to invade your kitchen. Ant trails – forming over night. There are simple and inexpensive ways to naturally control small numbers of ants in and around your home — first and foremost by keeping kitchen sinks and counters clean and dry, with no food left out.
But if you have a major Southern California ant problem (or ants other than the small brown ants), then chances are the simple tricks won’t help the problem go away entirely. In that case, you may need to hire a professional pest control expert to handle it for you.
With the start of summer, ants get hyperactive. They need water. But they’re also always looking for food. And they are annoying! You can’t always get the ants you do not see. The nests can be hidden out of sight, and when you do not know it, the ant colonies start “budding”, where one colony will break off to become 2 or 3.
Common Southern California Ants
- Argentine ant: small in size, non-stinging brown ant
- Carpenter ant: Destructive large biting ant (non-stinging)
- Pharaoh ant: small size, yellowish to brown, stinging ant, predator to many insects
- Fire ant: medium size, varying red to black, stinging, very aggressive
CALIFORNIA ANT CONTROL, PREVENTION & EXTERMINATION SERVICES
San Dimas based pest control company Versa-Tech Pest Management can help. One Versa-Tech ant management service can last all summer! Call today to control stubborn ant invasions.
ANT PEST CONTROL TREATMENT
How Do I Get Rid of California Ants?
Ants enter a structure either because they are disturbed, or they are looking for water or food sources. Heavy rainstorms, a bad plumbing leak, construction, or new landscaping can disturb an ant colony and cause them to come inside. Ants get thirsty and need water like humans do. Ants primarily enter a structure in search of, or because of a water source. The popular spot is around sink areas and shower tubs. The hotter and dryer the weather the more water the ant colony needs. While on the search for water is when ants will find that small crumb left on the counter or that jar of sugar.
Exterior factors such as geographical location, surrounding natural features, and other exterior factors can also contribute to an ant issue. Some variables like fruit trees, pets and animals, outdoor cooking areas and so on can be attracting to ants.
VERSA-TECH ANT EXTERMINATOR – WHAT WE DO TO GET RID OF ANTS & PREVENT STUBBORN ANT INVASIONS
A complete Ant Service is both interior and exterior at the same time Interior treatment consists of applying a liquid residual chemical from a pump sprayer onto the lower perimeter baseboard areas of the structure, along with treating behind appliances, furniture, and in most cases treating storage cabinet areas along with where the ants have been active.
INDOOR ANT PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Interior treatments are very targeted, but in most cases the property must be vacated for about 3-4 hours until the chemical is dry. No odor or visible residue is left behind. Exterior treatment is focused along the lower structure perimeter, cracks and crevices throughout the property, walkways, driveways, planter and landscaped areas, outer perimeter wall and fence line areas are treated for long term ant control. A granular insecticide is also used when applicable on lawn and planter areas for added long term control. On some occasions, just treating the exterior will control the activity inside, however, chemical residual is effective for the longest when applied out of the elements. Treating both the interior and exterior gives the most value.
ANT EXTERMINATION SERVICE PLAN OPTIONS
We recommend at least an annual ant treatment at the beginning of summer season to control ants for the rest of the year. If ants are more of a regular issue and annoyance, then quarterly service is plenty and will keep ants out of the interior areas, and well controlled outside. There is some preparation needed for most interior ant services. Preparation consists of removing clutter items off the floor, clearing some perimeter areas, and removing items from storage areas. Some services and locations require less prep than others. We have a preparation sheet to help guide preparation prior to the service. Ant services are highly effective when done correctly. Ants are usually gone from a location 24-48 hours after service and sooner from interior areas.
More Ant Resources ⇒