So, you’ve got an ant problem in your house and don’t know where to start?
Ants are genuinely a nuisance! And these are the kind of pests that simply attract more unwanted pests. But, when dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, WA. Homeowners need to understand the factors that attract ants to a home.
Today we’ll not only discuss the 3 things that attract ants to your home but how you can go about getting rid of them.
What are the Tiny Little Ants in My House?
Ant-infestations in the Seattle region are a common problem many homeowners may face. But, before you begin the process of extermination, it’s vital to learn about the species of ant invading your home and the key factors that keep them coming back.
- Sugar ants: Sugar ants, aka the banded sugar ant, is a species most attracted to a sweet food source. Now, sugar ants aren’t just attracted to a sweet trail of breadcrumbs. They love anything sweet! Including budding peonies and roses.
- Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants build nests in damp conditions. And, as their name suggests, these tiny ants appear to have an affinity for dead or decaying wood.
So, What Attracts Ants to Your Home
When dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, we recommend reaching out to your local ant exterminators. This is the behavior, and biology will vary from species to species.
But, as a general rule of thumb: regardless of species, most tiny ants and carpenter ants are attracted to warm and humid conditions and a viable food source.
3 Things That Will Attract Ants to Your Home
House ants are a nuisance, and when you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of ants, things get tricky!
At Parker Eco Pest Control, we believe that a preventative approach will be better than a reactive one.
So, before you attempt to get rid of those cheeky sugar ants, it’s essential to ask yourself, what are ants attracted to?
#1. Yes, Sugar Trails Attract Sugar Ants
Just like most pests in Seattle, tiny ants like sugar ants seek a food source to keep their colony thriving.
And, as their name suggests, sugar ants are the type of ants most attracted to a sweet food source. These can include honey, sugar crumbs, spilled juice, and even fruit.
To keep close to their sweet treat, these tiny ants will create nests within the walls and flooring of your home.
When a viable food source has been found, sugar ants leave a pheromone trail that allows other worker ants to locate the source.
#2. Are Ants Attracted to Water? Heck, Yes!
They’re just like any other living creature! Leaky pipes, water heaters, or indoor house plants are all water sources ants are attracted to .
Sugar ants prefer a water source close to their food. In contrast, carpenter ants prefer damp and moist conditions for building nests.
When it comes to keeping ants out of the home, it’s essential to understand the biology of the species of ant infesting your home. Keeping your kitchen area clean and ensuring all cracks or pipes are sealed will help keep your home safe from ants.
Are Ants Attracted to Heat?
One of the most important environmental factors that attract ants to a home is a heat source. As mentioned above, ants love warm, sheltered, and humid conditions. They rely on such conditions to build nests and colonies.
So, what are some sources of heat that could be attracting ants to your home?
Underfloor heating, heated toilets, modems, and other electrical appliances attract ants to a home.
But, it doesn’t stop there! Tiny ants and carpenter ants also appear to have an affinity for electrical appliances.
So, why are ants attracted to electricity?
We don’t actually know the exact reasoning as to why electricity attracts ants. However, one proposed theory appears to be related to heat signature: electrical currents release heat, creating a warm climate, perfect for ants seeking shelter during the winter months.
Another theory proposed by entomologist Dr. Brad Vinson has to do with pheromones. Remember, ants can communicate and follow each other’s trails through pheromones.
Dr. Brad Vinson theorizes that ants, particularly fire ants, have an affinity for electricity as it increases their chances of receiving a shock. And, when an ant is shocked, it releases pheromones, signaling other colony members to follow in pursuit.
Ants in House? Don’t Panic! Parker Eco Pest Control is Here in Seattle.
Dealing with an ant infestation is undoubtedly not an easy job. While setting up ant baits and killing an active trail may work initially, it does not address the main problem.
But, when dealing with an ant infestation in Seattle, we at Parker Eco Pest Control have got you covered.
Our team of experts works one-on-one with homeowners to determine the source of the ant infestation and how we can control them naturally. So, talk to us today to learn more about natural and eco-friendly ant control in Seattle.
