Ant Pest Control

Ant Control

Ants live together in large colonies. They are social insects, and each member of the colony has a specific job or purpose in helping ensure the colony's success. There are thousands of different species of ants living worldwide, and their large numbers make it difficult to keep them away from our homes.

Ants are insects with three distinct body segments, eight legs, and short antennae. Reproductive members have wings they use to emerge from their nest and find a mate. Ants come in various colors, including black, red, brown, and yellow. They also have the unique feature of having two stomachs! One for themselves and one as a vessel to carry food back to the nest.

Ants that live in large populations throughout our region include:

• Argentine ants: Small black ants that create huge colonies. They are often identified by the wide trails they create to travel together.
• Carpenter ants: Large ants that like to nest within pieces of wet or decaying trees, pieces of wood, or wooden structures.
• Fire ants: Small reddish-brown ants. These ants live together in nests that they like to build in open sunny areas, making our yards a favorite nesting spot.

Are Ants Dangerous?

Some ants do pose a danger to either people or our property in the Hampton Roads area. Ants can cause structural damage, others spread disease-causing pathogens, and others like fire ants deliver painful bites and stings.

Fire ants are particularly dangerous because they are very aggressive and swarm together to protect their nest from perceived threats. Unfortunately for us, simply walking by a nest in our backyards could elicit an attack.

Argentine ants will also bite people, but only if they are being directly provoked. They can be quite aggressive towards other species of ants- driving native species out of areas.

Carpenter ants aren't dangerous to people, but they are a danger to the structure of our homes and bank accounts. When they decide to nest in our houses, they usually build their nest inside structural wood. A carpenter ant infestation left untreated can lead to costly structural damage.

Ant Control Virginia Beach

Though ants primarily like to live outdoors, they also regularly become a problem in our homes. Houses provide ants shelter from unsuitable weather conditions, warmth, easy access to food, and the sources of moisture they crave.

Ants naturally gravitate to our properties, so they are challenging to prevent. Regular pest control is the best way to avoid the ants that call Virginia home.

Where will I find ants?

Outside, ants nest in various places; in the ground in shady spots, in open sunny areas, under piles of wood, inside pieces of wood, and almost anywhere else you can think of.

When ants move into our homes, they don't always stay to nest, but sometimes they do. Ants that nest in our homes do so behind wall voids, within structural wood, in electrical equipment, in attics, and inside crawlspaces.

Ants are well-known pests because they don't really hide their presence. It is very common to see these ants out and about during the day, doing what they do best; gathering food to bring back to the nest.

How do I get rid of ants?

At some point in time, ants will become a problem for most homeowners. The best way to accurately identify, locate, and treat the ants that have found a way into your Hampton Roads, Virginia home is to partner with a local professional. You can feel at ease when partnering with Diamond Exterminators and Crawlspace Solutions because we will solve your ant problems!

We eliminate ants and our area's other common household pests through inspections and high-quality treatments that are customized to meet the needs of your unique property. Our customer service is top-notch, and you will always be in the loop of what is going on. Please reach out to us today to learn more about our residential pest control or commercial pest control services. It is a bad day to be a bug when we are in the house!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Stop ants from taking over your home by putting our most helpful prevention tips into action.

• Reduce excess moisture around your home. Create a barrier between any mulch or soil and your house, repair leaky pipes, and ensure your yard has good drainage.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are working correctly.
• Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins.
• Replace loose mortar or trim, and use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation of your home.
• Quickly clean up food spills in your home and maintain a clean kitchen.
• Regularly vacuum your home to pick up stray crumbs.

If ants ever become a problem on your property, don't hesitate to reach out to Diamond Exterminators and Crawlspace Solutions!