Ants are some of the most common pests that invade Granada Hills homes. Their tiny size allows them to fit through cracks in your exterior where they look for food and water. Most species are only nuisances, but some can threaten your health and safety.
These insects invade homes in large numbers and are difficult to find. Fortunately, professionals who perform pest control in Granada Hills know how to protect you from these pests. Read on to learn more about ants and how to keep them out of your house.
The Life Cycle Of Ants: How Ant Colonies Develop
Ant colonies number in the thousands, but they start with a single queen. She leaves her initial colony and mates with males before finding a new nest. The queen then sits in solitude, waiting for the eggs to mature. These eggs will develop into the members of the new colony.
In some cases, a new colony can start at the initial nest. The queen might mate with present males before finding the best spot for a new nest. In even rarer cases, a queen might not be involved. The males take the eggs and find a new nest to develop a colony.
During the founding stage of a colony, the queen reproduces and raises her offspring. Eventually, the population increases, so her only role is reproduction. After several years, new queens develop and fly away to found new colonies. This continuous process is why residents need ant pest control.
Ant Problems: Health Concerns And Property Damage
Many people are unconcerned when they see ants in their houses. A common misconception is that these tiny pests might infest your food, but don’t threaten your safety. In reality, some can cause health concerns and property damage.
Most ant species in Granada Hills are only nuisances, but some can spread illnesses when they bite. The venom of stinging ants can cause allergic reactions in some people. Those that don’t cause health risks might damage your home. Depending on the type of ants, they can chew through multiple materials, including:
- Electrical wires
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Wood
The severity of the damage depends on what they’re chewing. They can cause fires in your home, increase your energy bills, and impair the structural stability of your house. The tiny size of these insects makes them hard to identify, so it’s best to keep them all away from your home.
Ant Prevention Is Key: Effective Tips And Tricks
Since it’s hard to determine whether the ants in your house are dangerous, preventing infestations is the best form of protection. Fortunately, there are ways to keep these potentially troublesome pests from invading your home. Some ant prevention tips for Granada Hills residents include:
- Repair leaks in your house.
- Seal cracks or gaps in your exterior.
- Clean crumbs and spills from surfaces.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Remove trash from your home frequently.
These tips and tricks will make it more difficult and less desirable for ants to invade your house. However, they still might find entry if you miss an open space in your exterior. In that case, you’ll need a professional to get rid of ants in your home.
Ant Control Done Right: Call The Experts For Complete Ant Control
Ants invade buildings in large numbers, leaving a chemical trail for others to follow. Since their colonies number in the thousands, they’ll continue entering as long as they can find food and water. These factors make eliminating an infestation difficult.
When you call Johnny Rat Pest Control for home pest control in Granada Hills, we’ll eliminate the ants in your house and at the nest. We’ll inspect your property to find entry points and remove attractants. We can also set up recurring visits to reinspect and treat your house. Give us a call for an ant-free home.