Ants
What are ants?
Ants are household pests that regularly find their way into our yards and homes as they search for suitable nesting sites and food to feed their expansive colonies. If you see ants wandering around your yard or home, the most likely culprits will be pavement ants, carpenter ants, or odorous house ants.
Ants are social insects that live and work together, caring for each other and typically maintaining multiple nesting sites. Ants live all around us in large numbers, and their small size allows them to invade any space they wish, causing these pests to be one of the most difficult to prevent and get rid of.
Our Ant FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 330-278-8939 today!
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Are ants dangerous?
Despite their small size and ability to be easily squished, ants can be dangerous. Carpenter ants are a dangerous species, not because they harm people but because they cause harm to our properties. When carpenter ants choose to nest within wooden structures on our property or within our homes, their tunnels and nesting galleries will cause expensive damage.
Many ants like pavement ants and odorous house ants are pretty much just nuisance ants, they don't bite or sting or cause structural damage, but they are still unwanted. Ants, no matter the species, carry and spread bacteria from their bodies and legs. When moving in and out of our homes, ants will contaminate surfaces, food, and dishes with pathogens that can make us ill.
No matter whether ants are dangerous or not, they are never welcome in our yards and homes. These opportunistic pests take over indoor and outdoor spaces and require a professional's experience to ensure that they are completely eliminated and won't return.
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Why do I have an ant problem?
There are many reasons why ants could have become a problem on your Ohio property. Some of the most common are listed below.
- There is moist or decaying wood on your property or in your home that is attracting ants.
- An ant's keen sense of smell has alerted them to food sources in your yard or inside your home.
- They have discovered the tiniest of openings leading into your house. Ants move inside to escape unsuitable weather, to forage for food, or to nest.
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Where will I find ants?
You will see ants living in many different places in our yards and homes, depending on their species and exact needs.
Outside, carpenter ants nest in damp or decaying logs, fallen trees, tree stumps, or woodpiles. Inside our homes, carpenter ants that decide to stay, nest in structural wood near leaking pipes or in poorly ventilated areas.
The pavement ant's name gives away where they prefer to nest. These ants are most commonly found nesting in the damp soil found in the cracks of or next to sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and masonry walls. If they have moved inside to nest, they typically like to place their nests in spaces they find behind walls or under floors.
Odorous house ants prefer to nest near areas of moisture behind wall voids or in crawl spaces. Wood that termites or other wood-damaging insects have previously damaged is another popular nesting spot for these small ants. Outside, odorous house ants build nests in decaying logs, woodpiles, tree stumps, and under mulch or landscaping ties.
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How do I get rid of ants?Take back your home from ants and other common household pests with the help of the professionals at Epcon Lane. For over 75 years, we have been working diligently to protect Northeast Ohio properties from our area's most common and invasive pests, and we offer the best solutions for ant control in Akron and Cleveland. Our professionals use eco-friendly products and specialize in Integrated Pest Management to make sure we eliminate pests and stop their return, all while protecting people and the environment. To get peace of mind and maintain a home free of annoying and problematic pests, trust the Epcon Lane professionals! Learn more about our pest control packages by giving us a call today!
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How can I prevent ants in the future?
Eliminate ants and take back your home with the help of Epcon Lane and by implementing the following prevention tips.
- Eliminate sources of moisture by making sure to repair leaky pipes and clogged gutters and utilize dehumidifiers.
- Get rid of their easy access to food by keeping lids on trash cans, picking up fallen fruits and vegetables from gardens, and picking up uneaten pet food.
- Keep your home's kitchen free of food debris by regularly wiping down counters and tables and sweeping and mopping the floors.
- Seal entry points into your home by sealing spaces in the foundation and areas around wires and pipes Also, install door sweeps and weatherstripping.
- Remove tree stumps, fallen trees, and brush piles from your yard where ants can nest.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.