Of all the household pests we deal with, more can be said about ants than any other pest. An ant is a nuisance, sometimes destructive and even sometimes aggressive, but that same ant can also teach humanity many things. When the opportunity arises, watch a group of ants for any period of time and you will see some amazing accomplishments and displays of almost supernatural strength. Yes, those pesky ants are incredibly capable creatures that live in large colonies, can lift many times their own body weight and work together in perfect harmony to perform feats with amazing precision.
A pheromone is a chemical that is released into the environment that enables it to communicate with other members of the family or species. The ant can use an alarm pheromone and a trail pheromone. The alarm pheromone is released when an ant is disturbed. Other ants from a distance can detect this peculiar chemical. The trail pheromone is used while an ant is carrying food to the nest. This trail attracts other ants and guides them to the source of food. The pheromone is renewed on a continual basis as long as the source of food exists. However, the more common ant species in the United States are the argentine ant, odorous house ant, carpenter ant, fire ant, pavement ant and pharaoh ant. Determining the type of ant is necessary in solving your pest problem and protecting your home from future infestations.
Some ants like a variety of food and prefer to switch back and forth between types of food. They are attracted to sweets, fats and proteins. Controlling your ant problem can be a problem within itself. It is necessary to properly identify what type of ant you have before you can determine the best method of extermination and control. When using ant baits, you must know the type of ant you have and what their desired food is in order to know how to bait them. The area must be cleaned and purged of any attractive food sources before you can expect the ant to enter your bait trap. For example, a food spill or an open can of soda is sure to be much more desirable to the ant than any bait you can purchase.
Ant problems always begin outdoors and then the ant works his way in as he forages for food. A ChemTec proactive every-other-month non-contract pest service can reduce the likelihood of ants and other pests making your home their new source for food, water, and shelter.
Call ChemTec Pest Control, Lubbock, Texas
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