When pharaoh ants enter a home, it is often in large numbers. It doesn't take long for thousands of ants to suddenly appear. And, if these ants are disturbed as they go about their business in your home--where they don't belong--it can make the problem worse. Pharaoh ant colonies have multiple queens and, when a threat is detected, a single colony can turn into multiple colonies through a process called budding. And, if you think it is frustrating dealing with one colony of pharaoh ants, imagine four, five, or six. When these ants appear, it is time to call a professional. But, if you haven't had pharaoh ants get inside your home yet, here are some tips to help keep them out.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention Tips
- Do a close inspection of your exterior and seal any entry points you find. Use a caulking gun to seal any location that looks like there may be an issue. The frames around windows and gaps around pipes are likely targets.
- If you have fewer ants near your foundation walls, you'll have less of a chance that pharaoh ants will get inside. Make sure all of your exterior trash is in sealed cans and that there are no food sources available around your home.
- Obstructed gutters can allow water to run down your exterior walls and create pools of water near your foundation. These are attractive to pharaoh ants. Clean and fix all gutters so that water is channeled away from your home.
- If you have firewood, consider storing it at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Keep shrubbery trimmed to prevent shade from allowing rainwater to remain next to your home. This will also prevent pests from using the branches as a bridge to easily get to a higher location on your walls.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention
While the above tips can help you reduce your chances of a pharaoh ant infestation, the only way to truly prevent ants is with the help of an experienced and educated pest control technician. Pest control technicians are trained in the habits and habitats of pharaoh ants and are up-to-date on the control methods and procedures that work to control them.
If you live in South Carolina, let the QualityPro Certified pest experts here at Aiken Pest Control help you keep pharaoh ants and all of the other invasive pests that keep invading your home, outside, where they belong. For more information about our residential pest control programs or to establish service, reach out to us today. We look forward to serving you.