Ants and Carpenter Ants Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Ants have different Sizes?

Ants come in various sizes due to their type of ant species and for their role in the colony ecosystem. There are over 700 Different Ant Species in the U.S. Currently however only a small number of them tend to infest a residential or commercial structure.

Why do some ants Fly or have wings?

For most ant species there are different types of ants with different purposes or jobs to ensure the colony’s growth and wellbeing.  Flying ants are the Swarmer’s/ reproductives of the ant colony with the intention of creating a new colony. This normally happens in the spring and fall but can happen with the smaller ant species in the summertime as well.  When swarmer’s are out it’s a good indication that there is a thriving ant colony close by.

What’s the difference between Carpenter ants and small ants?

There are many types of ant species all ranging in various sizes.

• Carpenter Ants specifically can range from Large to medium in size depending on their role in the Colony. Carpenter ants in general deal with wood Hence Carpenter Ants. More specifically They nest in wood and carve out tunnels inside the wood, which can cause damage to a structure.
• We have small ants that have many different types of species in Our state. They typically are more of a nuisance/ do not damage insects to a structure.  They are often harder to eliminate as they can repopulate in fast numbers to compensate for their size to deal with any threats to the colony.

What do you do to deal with Ants in my house?

• First, We Would do an inspection, if possible, to determine conducive conditions for the ants, as well as to Field ID what type of ant we are dealing with.
• Then based on our findings, our inspection would determine the best method to treat the ants at that location.
• Generally, though we normally do not use any liquid products inside unless necessary. Instead inside we would use Bait gel products with a syringe type applicator to be able to place the product in key areas and out of reach of any pets or children.  Exterior we like to use a liquid or granular product around the foundation of the structure and in key areas to make sure the ant colony as they explore, and trail receive the product and bring it back to the colony (nest).

How long does it take for your Treatment of ants to work?

• When treating ants the time frame for our clients to see results can vary depending on the treatment environment, what products are used, if our Clients Use over the counter products after we treat or have used them before we treat, and the species of ants we are dealing with.
• Typically, with the products we use and if our clients listen to our request of not using over the counter products, being careful of cleaning in the areas we treat, etc... then it can take 14-21 days from the initial treatment to have the ant issue resolved. Sometimes you can see quicker results and a surge of ants before the 14-day mark as the colony starts to collapse and they try to make a mass exodus from the colony.

What are the do’s and don’ts after your house is treated for ants.

• We ask all our clients when we do a treatment for ants not to use any over-the-counter pest control products as this will affect the efficacy of our treatment and can make the ant problem harder to get under control.
• We also ask that when we use bait gels with a syringe applicator to not use cleaning products in those areas, we ask our clients not to clean heavily in those areas for at least 14 days to allow the product to work and the ants to pick it up and bring it back to the colony.
• We also ask if you experience a surge of ants especially after we use ant bait gels to leave them alone so that they bring the product back to the nest, allowing the product to work faster on them. As the ants see the bait gel as food.

Is What You Do for Treatment Safe?
The products we use for Ants are Safe to use around kids and pets when used properly and all parties involved listen to the recommended Re- entry times depending on the product.

• Examples if we treat the foundation of a structure with a liquid product, then small children or pets should stay away from the treatment area until the product is dry.
• Another example is our Bait gel products we place typically out of reach of pests and dogs and cracks/crevices of a structure like under/ behind baseboards, etc.... so that the ants will find the product to bring back to the nest.

Is there a Green Treatment option for Ants that you provide?

There are products out there that are considered green that can treat ants. A lot of those products require either more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gear than Synthetic products or require more treatments to be effective. So, currently we do not offer green treatment options for ants. We are always looking for the best products to ensure our clients’ satisfaction and Safety. Once We find a green/natural product that fits our standards of Service then We will provide a Green Pest Control solution for ants.

I have Ants throughout my yard What can you do to deal with them?

If you have ants in your yard that is one of nature’s natural ways to aerate the soil.  We can only treat ants that are going into the structure.

What attracts Ants to my house?

It depends on the Ant species.

Some of the common conducive conditions that can attract ants are

• Sugar, food debris,
• Moisture
• Wood with Wood rot or water damage
• Higher ground when the soil/ ground is over saturated or Flooding
• Warmth during winter.

 

 

 

 

What are the most common Ants that we have here in CT or New England.

The most common Ants we have In CT or New England tend to infest Commercial or Residential structures are.

Carpenter ant

Little Black Ant

Pavement Ant

Odorous House Ant