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Managing Ant Infestations in New Mexico: Tips and Tricks
Ants may seem like small, unimportant pests to treat when they initially appear near or in your home. Still, they can quickly become incredibly difficult to manage once they establish a colony. The most common ant species found in New Mexico include Argentine ants, pavement ants, field ants, and pharaoh ants. These types of species quickly become a problem for homeowners in New Mexico as they can lead to property damage and food contamination. In this article, we will discuss ways you can prevent ants from invading your home, ways you might eliminate an ant colony, and what you can do to protect your home from potential ant infestations.
Identifying Ant Infestations
When it comes to identifying ant infestations, there are some early signs you can look for. Ants commonly work in groups and create trail systems for their colonies to follow. If you notice a line of ants marching in and out of your home, along walls and countertops, or anywhere on your property, chances are you have an active ant colony nearby. Colonies usually consist of small mounds made of soil or nearby debris. These mounds are typically found near homes in the yard. While mounds are a more obvious sign of ants, some ants burrow underground. It is important to follow the trail of ants and inspect where their colony may nest. When coming across an ant colony, it can be helpful to disrupt the colony to signal to the ants that they are unwelcome and need to leave. Use water to disrupt the colony, or simply step or sweep the mound area.
Potential Risks with Ant Infestations
When dealing with an ant infestation, homeowners should be aware of multiple risks. Some ants, like carpenter ants, can cause a significant amount of structural damage to buildings as they tunnel through wood to create nests. Ants can also cause harm as they contaminate food items. Ants are attracted to areas containing food, making pantries and cupboards an ideal location for ants to frequent. When dealing with ant infestations, it is important to identify which species of ants you are dealing with so you can further know how to treat them properly.
Prevention Tips
There are many preventative measures homeowners can take to deter ants from entering their homes.
Seal Entry Points
Ants will look for small openings near windows, doors, and utilities in a home. To prevent ants from entering your home, consider using materials like caulk and weatherstripping to keep bugs out of the home.
Eliminate Food Sources
Because ants are primarily attracted to food sources, store your food in airtight sealed containers and ensure that kitchen areas are clean from any spills, crumbs, or leftover debris. When throwing trash into a trash can, ensure that your trash can is sealed with a lid to prevent smells and food from being exposed overnight.
While DIY methods can work momentarily, it is best to treat ant infestations with professional care. Our trained technicians at Insight Pest Solutions Southwest know the unique problems that come from each species of ant and know exactly how to effectively and efficiently eliminate the ants in your area. Our long-term solutions will prevent future ant infestations from occurring and keep your home safe and protected from these pests.
