Ants are some of the most common and tenacious pests in the world, so there's a good chance you'll experience an ant infestation at least once in your Moline home. With how tiny these pests are, ants can easily be overlooked until their populations have grown out of control, which is never a good position for any homeowner to be in. Effective ant control is crucial to maintaining a safe, relaxing environment, so if you don't know how to keep ants away, it might be time to start learning more about ant control in Moline.
How To Identify The Ants Infesting Your Moline Home
Unfortunately, many different ants invade Moline properties, both nuisance and dangerous. They may be small, but if you look very closely, you'll be able to notice unique details that can help identify the species:
Acrobat ants – 1/8 of an inch long, yellowish-brown to black, heart-shaped abdomen, emits a foul odor when threatened
Argentine ants – 1/16 to ¼ of an inch long, dark brown to shiny black
Carpenter ants – 1/8 to ½ of an inch long, can be black, red, yellow, or a combination, heart-shaped head and large mandibles
Citronella ants – ¼ of an inch long, golden yellow, large mandibles, releases citrus-like odor when crushed
Field ants – 1/8 of an inch long, can be yellow, reddish-brown, black, or combination, emit foul-smelling acid that can cause a burning sensation
Odorous house ants – 1/8 of an inch long, dark brown to black, emits a rotten coconut smell when crushed
Pavement ants – 1/8 of an inch long, dark brown to black, square-shaped head with grooves running down the back of the head and thorax
Pharaoh ants – 1/16 of an inch long, pale red to yellowish-brown
Small honey ants – 1/8 of an inch long, light to dark shiny brown, prefer nesting in houseplants
Thief ants – 1/16 of an inch long, either pale yellow, light brown, or dark brown
Why Ants Infest Moline Homes And How To Prevent Them
Some ants like field ants, tiny honey ants, and thief ants only infest Moline homes because of more extreme weather conditions such as scorching summers and frigid winters. Most ants invade because our homes provide alluring living conditions, though – easily accessible food, stable housing, adequate moisture (usually due to a leak or rooms prone to retaining moisture), and minimal predators. While most of these species aren't necessarily dangerous, finding pharaoh ants or carpenter ants in your house can be harmful to your health and property, which is why it's essential to know how to keep ants away:
Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly, rake up and dispose of leaves and lawn clippings, and remove twigs and branches
Aerate your soil to help with proper drainage
Keep tight-fitting lids on all trash cans, both inside and out
Try not to over-water your garden areas
Address any potential entry points around the exterior of your home, from foundation to roof
Replace worn-down weather stripping around doors and windows
Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly
Wipe down counters, dining areas, and food prep areas daily
Keep food stored in airtight containers, including pet food
Fix any leaky pipes and invest in a dehumidifier for moisture-retaining rooms
How To Exterminate An Ant Infestation In Your Moline Home
Whether you're dealing with a nuisance pest like odorous house ants or it's something more dangerous like carpenter ants in your house, it's always important to have effective ant control for your Moline property. Trying to get rid of ants on your own can be frustrating, expensive, and generally ineffective, but you don't have to struggle with them on your own. If you're looking for effective ant control in Moline, then you need Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators.
Our fully-licensed pest experts are trained extensively to handle your most difficult pests, including ants, and we always use the latest pest control technology available on the market. We pride ourselves on being prompt, efficient, and affordable for any budget so that everyone can experience the tranquility that comes with effective pest control. Don't let thief ants steal your peace of mind. Please get in contact with us today for more information.