Ants
Appearance
Pavement ants and small black ants are among the ants that are normally found in a home. Depending on the species, the color can vary from yellow, brown and black. They can be from 1 to 4 mm in length. The head of these ants are large, their antennas are bent and they have powerful mandibles (jaws).
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Life Cycle
Ants are social insects that typically establish colonies during a period of two or three years. When a colony contains between 2,000 and 3000 ants, the colony is then established and the queen leaves to form a new one.
Habitat and Food
Indoors, the ants usually build their nests behind tiles, walls in the ground, rotting wood or near foundations. They are typically nocturnal and attracted to food such as other insects, grease, oil, honeydew, vegetables, fruits and sweet substances. Ants dig nests around the home in cracks in sidewalks and driveways, between paving and cement slabs as well as along the edges of patios. They may also make a nest under a rock, mulch or a branch.
Undesirable Effects
Although ants do not sting, they can bite. Once inside the house, they feed on almost anything that humans consume. As in the case of any parasite, an ant infestation is unpleasant for the occupants.
Signs of Infestation
Regular and large numbers of ants around the same area is a sign of infestation.
Preparation Steps for a Treatment
- Do not use insecticide sprays in areas affected by ants before or after treatment. Also, do not clean with chemicals. These products can make the bait less effective.
- Empty all kitchen cabinets and drawers, including crockery and food. Place food in the refrigerator and the rest on a table. Make sure you take everything off of the kitchen counter.
- If ants have been spotted in the bathroom, clean the vanity.
- Because a general treatment of your home is a possibility, clean the home thoroughly, including inside cabinets and drawers.
- Plan that the AJS specialist may place bait stations in the home. The bait stations should not be moved.
- Plan to leave your home for the duration of the treatment and return only after 4 hours. Wherever possible, open windows for 20 minutes upon your return. It is also important to not walk barefoot on treated areas for 48 hours after treatment.