Ants are among the leading nuisance pests in America. You can see them in your house, yard, or gardens, where they can cause lots of damage. Over 700 different ant species are found in the US, meaning they can easily get into your Elizabeth City home. Ant control in your yard isn't a DIY project. You need help from Elizabeth City pest control experts like Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
Do not underestimate the ants you see in your yard. Remember, these creatures come in colonies which may comprise hundreds or thousands of them. In this article, you will learn the dangers of ants, how and why they get into your home, and how to get rid of ants permanently from your home.
The Role Ants Play In Our Ecosystem
Ants in Elizabeth City are among the least understood pests in the world. This is because they have two sides. They can be good or bad in some ways. Though they are destructive, they play some crucial roles in the ecosystem. Their three most important roles include the following:
- Ants help with the aeration of the soil: When ants dig the soil to create galleries and tunnels, they loosen the soil allowing air to flow. Additionally, this allows water to penetrate deep into the ground. Well-aerated and moist soil is suitable for plant growth. Unfortunately, this loosening of soil can also lead to soil erosion.
- Ants are food to other insects and animals: Ants are eaten by animals, insects, and insectivorous plants. They also eat other insects, thus contributing to pest control. They are an essential component of many food chains and food webs.
- Ants clean the environment: Apart from feeding on other insects, ants like feeding on organic matter, including dead plants, insects, and animals. In doing so, they help clean the environment. They contribute to the decomposition of organic materials, which help add nutrients to the soil.
The benefits of ants mentioned above are overshadowed by their destructive tendencies, making them unwelcome guests in your home. For example, as they dig deep into the soil, they can destroy plant roots, leading to the wilting of the affected plants.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Ants In My House?
Ants may look harmless, but they are silent destroyers. They can damage crops, destroy structures, and eat your food. Ants are a great health concern because they walk in filthy places. They can carry germs and bacteria into your house, which can cause diseases to you and your loved ones. Besides, their stings and bites, especially those of harvester ants and fire ants, are excruciating and may need medical attention.
Additionally, their presence alone can cause allergic reactions in asthmatic patients. This is why you must call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, Inc. if you suspect ants have invaded your home. We are the best pest control company for ants.
How And Why Ants Find Their Way Into Your Home
Ants will come to your home for three main reasons. They will be looking for food, water, and shelter. They will visit if your home can provide these three basic needs. Perhaps you have realized that ants are prevalent in homes during summer. This happens because they are looking for water. You will find them in moist places like bathrooms or around the sinks. Ants can find their way into your home through many entry points, including cracks and seams in walls, foundation gaps, inside floors, windows, doors, utility lines, houseplants, toys, etc.
Identifying and sealing these entry points is the first step in controlling ants, but you will still need to call home pest control experts to eliminate them and put measures in place to prevent them from returning.
How Can I Get Rid Of Ants Permanently?
Experts strongly advise against using chemicals to terminate ants or any other pests. These chemicals can be harmful to humans. The many DIY ant control methods peddled around are also ineffective for eliminating ants. The surest way to eliminate ants and ensure they won't return is to let professionals deal with them.
Contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, Inc. immediately if you suspect an ant infection. We are residential and commercial ant control experts with several years of experience in this industry. When you call us, our first step will be to inspect your home to determine the root cause of the ant infestations. It is only by eliminating the root causes that we can solve the problem. Working with us will save you money and time in the long run. Call us today for a free, no-obligation ant pest control quote.