Ants Are The New Termite!

Termites are still an ongoing problem in Middle Tennessee, but termite control measures have come a long way since the 1900's when attempts were made to protect homes when arsenic dust and DDT. Since then, there have been many technological advancements made in the termite control industry to help us better protect our homes from structural damage due to termite infestations. While nothing is 100% foolproof when it comes to nature and protecting homes from termites, we have arrived at an age in the development of termite control where we have sensible, environmentally responsible, and effective termite control measures available to us.  

These advancements are nothing but great news to homeowners, and pest control companies now feel more confident than ever before in their control measures and service offerings. My company, All-American Pest Control, is so much more confident with our termite protection service offerings that we now offer a termite damage repair agreement for 90% of all homes. In the past, we only offered termite damage repair agreements for 20% of homes.

Ants are the new termite!  These days ant infestations can be much more of a headache for homeowners and pest control companies. Ants will never cause as much structural damage as termites so the fear will never be as prevalent as termites - but ants are sure quite a nuisance and can be difficult to control. 

Two species of ants that we regularly encounter in homes in Middle Tennessee are the Carpenter Ant and the Odorous House Ant. Ants can be eliminated.  Successful control measures include inspections around moisture sources to uncover a primary and/or secondary nest, the study of the behavior and trailing of the ants, identification of the ant, removal of any competing food sources, a baiting treatment when necessary, and a bit of patience. We generally recommend an ongoing service for ant problems. Often it may take 2-3 trips to successfully eliminate an ant problem.  With our ongoing service, additional trips are covered for no additional charge.

Problems Ants Bring To Tennessee Homeowners

Ants can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. When they infest, they build unsightly hills all over your yard and along the edges of your driveway.

If fire ants get onto your lawn, you may be in for painful stings if you accidentally step too close to a mound. Fire ants swarm and sting when they sense danger, and while one sting is painful, several at once can be excruciating and even life-threatening. 

Ants can also be painful to your home. If carpenter ants get onto your property, they will soon find their way to the wooden structures around and inside your home. Given time, carpenter ants will tunnel away throughout those structures. In addition to ruining furniture like closets and tables, this tunneling can be devastating to your home’s walls and foundations. 

More than anything else, ants are simply difficult to eliminate. If ants get into your home while foraging, they may decide to stay. Once ants choose to build a colony within your walls, they are difficult to get rid of. When ants get onto your lawn, there is a high probability that they will end up inside your home while foraging for food. This leads to food contamination and can cause you and your family to become ill.

Warning Signs Of Ants In Tennessee Homes

Because ants are such a difficult pest to eliminate once they become a problem, it’s essential to know the warning signs of an infestation so that you can react quickly to end it. There are a number of signs that ants have set up housekeeping in your home:

Ant trails: Ants lay down pheromones on trails that tell other ants where to go for food and shelter. If you See lines of ants leading towards your home, it’s time to call the professionals.
Ant colonies: Large mounds or piles of dirt near your foundation or across your lawn that could each house thousands of ants. 
Frass. Frass is the byproduct of ant activity. It looks like sawdust and is the result of ants breaking down wood and other organic material to make room for a nest.

If you’ve started seeing the above warning signs around your home, it’s time to call a professional for help. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become. Contacting a pest control professional immediately will allow them to quickly assess the problem and develop an effective solution.

Call All-American Pest Control For Comprehensive Ant Control

Worried about ants in your Tennessee home? Professional treatment is the way to go. Give us a call here at All-American Pest Control for quick and effective ant treatment services.