Pharaoh ants can be a persistent nuisance, especially in Louisiana’s humid climate. To get rid of them, targeting their colonies and using professional pest control methods is essential.
Why let these tiny invaders dominate your space? Keep reading for actionable advice and solutions.
Key Takeaways
- When identifying Pharaoh ants, look for reddish-brown ants with long, bent antennae and no spine on the thorax.
- As initial treatments, use bait stations, insecticidal dust, and pesticide sprays cautiously.
- If the infestation is extensive, hiring a pest control ensures complete removal and addresses other common ants.
HOW TO MANAGE PHARAOH ANT INFESTATIONS IN LOUISIANA
Due to their large colonies and ability to invade homes, Pharaoh ants can quickly become a significant nuisance. Here’s how to handle these invasive ants.
Identify the Presence of Pharaoh Ants
Determining whether Pharaoh ants are the culprits in an infestation is the first step in addressing the problem.
These species of ants have distinctive features, such as a reddish-brown color. Notably, their antennae are long and bent. Their thorax does not have spines, which sets them apart from other types of ants.
To confirm their presence, look for signs around the home, including:
- Trails of worker ants often seen moving in a line.
- Ant nests under appliances or within wall voids.
- Worker ants on surfaces when foraging near food sources.
- Dead insects in odd places around the home.
Assess the Infestation Level
When their presence is confirmed, it sets the stage for further evaluation of the severity of a Pharaoh ant infestation. Evaluating the extent of an infestation is crucial for developing a control strategy.
A thorough assessment might reveal that Pharaoh ants have established multiple nests. Knowing this information allows for more efficient pest control measures.
Apply DIY Ant Control Solutions
When you confirm an existing ant problem, it’s time to select effective control methods. Pharaoh ant control can involve DIY pest control while waiting for professional services.
Some effective methods to consider include:
- Bait Stations: These contain attractants and slow-acting insecticides, targeting foraging ants.
- Insecticidal Dust: Applicable in wall voids and nesting sites to kill ants on contact.
- Pesticide Sprays: These may need careful use as they can scatter ants, leading to new colonies.
- Homemade Ant Baits: A mixture of boric acid and sugar or honey lures the ants, and they carry it back to the colony.
While they may provide relief, they can be temporary and may worsen the problem.
Consult and Hire Pest Control Professionals
If the infestation overwhelms you, contacting pest control services can provide significant relief. They are trained to recognize infestations and treat an entire colony effectively.
Hiring an ant exterminator can also ensure thorough eradication methods of other common ants, such as Argentine ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and fire ants.
HOW TO KEEP PHARAOH ANTS AWAY
Keeping Pharaoh ants at bay involves specific strategies to maintain cleanliness, sealing potential entry points, conducting regular inspections, and adjusting control efforts.
Maintain Cleanliness and Order
A clean home is less inviting for Pharaoh ant colonies. To maintain year-round pest management, regularly clean surfaces from sweets and protein spills, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. Then, dispose of garbage in proper bins outside the home.
Seal Entry Points to Block Access
Sealing entry points is crucial in thwarting Pharaoh ants from infiltrating a home. Since they can find their way through the smallest openings, you must seal off cracks and crevices to reduce the chances of an invasion.
Check electrical wires, plumbing, baseboards, and window sills, as they can be common entry routes. Use caulk or weather stripping where they could enter.
Carry Out Routine Inspections
Routine inspections are a proactive measure to identify potential issues before they escalate. To reveal clues of ant activity early on, consider these regular checks around the home:
- Look for ant trails commonly found in high-traffic areas and around food sources.
- Check for nests in wall voids, under appliances, and outside close to foundations.
- Check for plumbing leaks or standing water, as they are drawn to a damp environment.
- Be aware of other pests, such as termites or bed bugs, since they might indicate potential ant issues.
Track and Adjust Your Ant Control Efforts
Monitoring and adjusting your strategies is essential for a long-term pest-free home. Pharaoh ant control is not a “set it and forget it” task. Regularly reevaluating your approach ensures that new ant colonies do not take hold.
For instance, checking the outdoors is as crucial as monitoring indoors. Since these invasive species are attracted to sweets, you must also check for signs of honeydew.
Should You Call a Professional?
There are certain situations when you must consult a professional about Pharaoh ants. If the ant population is large and spreading quickly, it is recommended that you call pest control professionals.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s ant control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about the areas we service, visit our location page.