Preventing Ants in the Summertime

Prevent summer ants in Henrivo VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlIt’s summertime here in Virginia, and pests are out in full force! Ants are one of the most common pest problems in the summer for property owners. They tend to infest kitchens and bathrooms, and are often found trailing along your floorboards. They’re nearly impossible to get rid of without an exterminator, and their infestations can seem never ending. In order to avoid the frustration of an infestation, it’s crucial to learn the best ways to go about preventing ants in the summertime. Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Loyal Termite & Pest Control.

What Ants Are Common in the Summer?

There are more than 700 species of ants in the United States alone. Typically, you’ll only encounter a few in your lifetime. It’s important to learn about the common ants in your area in order to be better prepared for an infestation. Certain ants are more dangerous or destructive than others. The most common ants you’ll see in the summer include: 

Preventing Ants in 6 Steps

Ants can seemingly appear out of nowhere. And once you have them, they’re difficult to get rid of! Thankfully, there are a few ways you can lessen the risk of getting them in the first place. Our top tips to keep ants out include:

  1. Avoiding excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  2. Trimming back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!
  3. Keeping a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  4. Storing food properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  5. Sealing entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  6. Picking up your pet’s food. Crumbs and spills from your cat or dog’s food and water bowls can be a huge attractant for ants. Always clean up and store bowls between mealtimes.

How to Keep Ants Out All Year Long

It can be very overwhelming to know how to keep ants away. If you’ve done all you can but still have ants making their way indoors this summer, it’s best to call the team at Loyal. Our experts can work with you to develop a successful game plan for preventing ants not just this summer but year-round!

Choosing Between Professional & DIY Pest Control

Sprays are a common DIY pest control method. Learn about the pros and cons of DIY pest control in Henrico VA from Loyal Termite & Pest ControlThe DIY movement is popular, but does it work for everything? When it comes to pest control, do-it-yourself methods can be a gamble. Everyone has tried them: vinegar sprays for ants, store-bought roach spray, rat traps, the list goes on. Unfortunately, these methods are unreliable and will rarely work to get to the root of a pest infestation. For quick, effective, and trustworthy pest control, a professional exterminator is always the way to go. Here at Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we want our customers to be informed when making choices about their pest control plan. Read on to learn how to choose between professional and DIY pest control services.

How DIY Pest Control Fails

A lot of people gravitate toward DIY pest control thinking it’ll save them money. However, in the long run, this can be false. Although store-bought pest control works to control small issues, it rarely works to control big infestations. There are several downfalls to DIY pest control: First of all, they simply won’t work to control more dangerous pests such as bed bugs, termites, rodents, carpenter ants, and more. Also, many store-bought products are laden with chemicals that can be dangerous for your family if applied incorrectly. These products also rarely come with a guarantee or warranty on their effectiveness. In sum, it’s always a guessing game when it comes to DIY pest control.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Exterminator

Yes, a professional pest control company is going to be more of a commitment. However, the investment will pay off in the long run when you are guaranteed with pest-free* living! Some of the benefits to professional pest control are: 

  1. An experienced exterminator has the knowledge and experience to tackle any current infestation you have. They are experts in the behaviors and habits of pests, making it easier for them to control any problems quickly and efficiently.
  2. With a focus on IPM practices, they can also work to prevent future problems. As often as possible, a professional will use environmentally-responsible products that are always applied safely and effectively with little invasion or disruption to your daily life.
  3. When you decide to have regular pest control services, your exterminator will work with you to develop a customized pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your home.

What Choice is Right For You?

DIY pest control may sound like an easier option, but more often than not, is fruitless. Serious pest infestations always need to be handled by a professional pest control company. For long-term protection against pests, the professional exterminators at Loyal can help!

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites – The Differences

Carpenter ants are confused for termites often in Henrico VA. Learn the differences from the experts at Loyal Termite & Pest ControlTermites and carpenter ants are responsible for some of the most destructive pest infestations across the nation. As wood-destroying insects, they are feared for their ability to tear through the very structure of homes and businesses. In the swarmer stage of their lives, they are commonly mistaken for each other. Although they are very similar in habit and appearance, it’s important to know the differences between the two. Keep reading for expert info on carpenter ants vs. termites from the professionals at Loyal Termite & Pest Control.

Telling Apart Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

As swarmers, it’s very easy to confuse carpenter ants for termites. Although they are similar in color and composition, there are a few key differences that can help tell them apart! Carpenter ant swarmers are typically black but can have some red coloring as well. Their wings are translucent with a reddish brown hue. The biggest difference is that carpenter ants measure 1/2″–5/8″, making them much bigger than termites.

Termite swarmers are dark brown to black in color and measure about 3/8″ long, including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color, may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body. This feature is the best way to tell them apart from carpenter ants.

Winged ant vs. termite in Henrico VA - Loyal Termite & Pest Control

Habits & Damage from Wood-Destroying Insects

Although they both have wood destroying capabilities, termites are typically more dangerous than carpenter ants. The main things to know about these two insects include:

  • Termites make their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, under siding, porches, or any structure in contact with the soil.
  • Established termite colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day.
  • Carpenter ants establish nests in wood that is already in decay, and later expand into normal wood, insulation, or wall voids.
  • Excavated termite galleries appear to have been sanded. Carpenter ants do not create the extensive damage termites do. 

Getting Rid of Termites & Carpenter Ants

Both of these wood-destroying insects can be somewhat of a nightmare for property owners across the nation. Termites alone are responsible for nearly 5 billion dollars in damages across the nation each year! Needless to say, it’s important to contact a pest control company as soon as you notice the signs of termites or carpenter ants. The Loyal termite exterminators will thoroughly inspect your Henrico or Richmond VA property to determine which species you are dealing with. You can trust our team will keep you wood-destroying insect-free all year long!