Have you ever noticed how ant mounds seem to appear around your home after it rains? It feels like overnight a whole colony of ants moves in, and, suddenly, you have a pest problem on your hands. It may surprise you, but those ants—the ones that seem to materialize out of thin air—were there all along. Not to worry though, Tactical Pest Services and even you can take steps to ensure your lawn or backyard remains immaculate and safe.
Where Are the Ants Coming From?
First, not all ant mounds are visible. Ant mounds can extend up to a foot underground or even deeper. Therefore, ants do not magically appear after it rains rather, they were hidden in plain sight. Ant mounds simply become more visible because of the ants’ responses to weather or environmental changes. During rainstorms, water seeps into their underground tunnels, flooding and ultimately destroying them. To get away from the progressively wet ground, ants will build their homes upward, thus making them more apparent above ground. Exposed ant mounds can be dangerous for those with allergies or vulnerable children and pets who may accidentally step on them. The flooding caused by rain may even collapse the ant mounds, forcing the entire colony to relocate. As a result, ants may invade your home, driven by their desire to remain dry. An indoor ant infestation has the same dangers as an outdoor one. In fact, they are even more dangerous as ants can inflict damage to the foundation or structure of your home. Furthermore, if they manage to get into your food, ants can transmit food-borne diseases including but not limited to salmonella, strep, and E. coli, putting the young and vulnerable at risk. So, what can you do to get rid of ants during the rainy season?
How to Get Rid of the Ants
There is a plethora of ways you can get rid of ants after heavy rainfall. Be it outdoors or indoors, utilizing a bait treatment is an effective strategy in combating an ant infestation. After it rains, ants will be actively searching for food. Consider scattering bait around their home. Note, bait should not be applied directly on top of the mound as it can be perceived as an attack and the ants will not eat the bait. Moreover, ants do not usually leave their homes from the top but rather utilize underground tunnels. While bait is a common and effective strategy that you can implement yourself, there is no guarantee it will get rid of the ants for good. A multi-pronged approach is the most effective way of fighting and preventing an ant infestation. By regularly treating your property, you can get rid of ants before they become a problem. Specifically, properly sealing cracks and gaps, safely storing food, and regularly cleaning surfaces are some easy steps you can take to prevent ants from entering your home. If you find yourself dealing with a heavy ant problem or would like to know more about how to keep your home free from ants, contact Tactical Pest Services. Our experienced professionals will inspect your home and expertly craft a treatment plan that suits your needs!
