Seeing a few ants on your kitchen counter might not make you worry at first. You just clean up the crumbs and wipe down the surfaces, hoping they go away. But you might have a more serious problem. Some ant problems can be handled with basic cleaning and store-bought traps. But there are times when calling a professional exterminator is the best decision you can make for your home. Here are signs you might need to hire an expert a St. Louis exterminator.
You See Ants Every Day
If you spot ants in your home day after day, a colony might be nearby. Ants leave behind scent trails for other ants to follow. That is why you usually see them marching in lines. Killing the ants you see on the surface doesn’t get rid of the colony. The colony might be hidden inside walls, under floors, or outside your home.
If you cannot get rid of the ants in your home, no matter how often you clean, the problem might be deeper than it looks. An exterminator can track down the nest and treat it directly, stopping the issue at the source.
The Ants Keep Coming Back
Many people try DIY ant treatments, but these are usually short-term fixes. If ants keep returning even if you have tried over-the-counter products, and the ants keep returning, let the professionals handle the job.
Some ant species have large colonies with multiple queens. Killing a few workers doesn’t slow them down. In fact, the colony might split and form new nests, making the infestation worse. A professional exterminator will use the right kind of treatment to target the entire colony and prevent future outbreaks.
You Find Ants in Multiple Rooms
Ants are usually drawn to places where they can find water or food. However, if they spread throughout your home, they have probably established several trails or satellite nests. A spreading infestation can be tough to manage without help. Professional exterminators can inspect your entire home and identify entry points and nests. Then, they treat every area where ants are active.
You Are Not Sure What Type of Ant You Are Dealing With
In St. Louis, pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants are common. Most ants are mainly a nuisance, but carpenter ants can cause damage by hollowing out wood inside your walls or floorboards.
Identifying the type of ant is the first step to getting rid of them. Different ants require different treatments. Using the wrong one might allow the infestation to continue or get worse. Pest control professionals have the training and tools to correctly identify the species. This lets them choose the right treatment plan.
You See Ants During Colder Months
Ants are usually more active in spring and summer. But seeing them indoors during the fall or winter might mean they have built a nest inside your home. Some ants move indoors for warmth and protection. When ants become a year-round problem, this could mean the presence of an indoor colony that won’t go away on its own. In these cases, calling an exterminator is the best way to stop the infestation before it grows.
You Notice Ants Near Electrical Outlets or Appliances
Ants crawl into tiny spaces, but it is a serious matter to see them near electrical outlets, wires, or appliances. Some species, such as crazy ants, are attracted to electrical equipment and can cause short circuits or damage. A control professional can safely remove the ants and help you avoid costly repairs to your home’s electrical systems.
If you’re dealing with stubborn ants in your home, help is just a call away. Pointe Pest Control offers expert ant control services tailored to your specific ant problem. Their trained technicians can identify the species, find hidden nests, and apply effective treatments.