Why Are Ants More Likely to Invade in Springtime?
The likelihood of finding someone who is cool with ants hanging out or living in their home or office is slim. Ants are tiny things, but can be quite the nuisance and a major inconvenience, as well as cause risks to your property and health. Unfortunately, ants are some of the most common pests in the United States, with over 700 distinct species. What’s more is that pest control companies answer a much higher number of calls for ant problems in the spring than for just about any other kind of critter.
Why do ants seem to invade homes more often during the springtime than in other seasons? Let’s ask local exterminators in Butte County, CA.
Common types of household ants
Though there are hundreds of species of ants in the U.S., if you see ants trekking around your California home, chances are they are probably from one of four common species of ants: carpenter ants, thief ants, Argentine ants and pharaoh ants, all of which are known to invade homes throughout the warm spring months. These species of ants are all pretty tiny (although carpenter ants can grow up to 1/4 to 1/2 inch long) and range in color, including black, black and red, yellowish brown, orange, honey and brown.
Ants love spring
If you feel as though ants make more of an appearance in your home during the springtime more than any other season, then your feelings are absolutely correct. Ants are fond of the warmer weather, so they tend to show up inside homes at the first signs of outdoor temperatures warming up. Their appearance is almost like clockwork. With this in mind, the more you understand how ants operate and why they like to move- n with humans in the spring, the better prepared you’ll be to deal with and prevent an infestation.
Warm weather calls to the ants
Knowing why ants are more active during the spring months can help you prevent irritating ant infestations. But first, it’s important to know that there are a lot of animals that become active in the springtime—especially when hibernation is over and every creature is out looking for food. In regards to ants, spring is when they are in search of shelter from the hot sun and random rain showers. Your home is the perfect setting—and finding a food source inside your home means they are likely to keep returning.
How to handle spring ant infestations
Whether you have regular seasonal ant problems or not, there’s no stopping ants when their goal is to seek shelter and food. To prepare, keep kitchens and dining areas clean, store food properly, seal up pet food and clean up food spills immediately. Ants are feverishly attracted to sweets, like honey, sugar, fruits and fruit juice. Eliminating food and water sources is your best chance at avoiding springtime ant infestations.
Hobbs Pest Solutions has a team of the most experienced local exterminators in Butte County, CA. Call us today to schedule an appointment to handle your ant problem or any other pest issue!
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