Ants and humans have always coexisted in the world since the beginning of time, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with them when you have an infestation in your home. This article explores the relationship of ants vs. humans so that you can take control of the situation and live safely and happily in an ant-free zone.
Why Ants Enter Our Homes
Ants, like all creatures on our planet, need food to eat and a comfortable place to live. Ants are no exception to this rule and often find their way into human homes in search of nourishment and habitat. They are resilient insects that can survive in a wide range of conditions. Yet ants will take the easy way out if given the opportunity, which means even a tiny amount of pet food left out or crumbs left behind can draw in hundreds of ants very quickly.
Out in the yard, ants are especially active around utility boxes, yard debris, and dirt mounds. They are most commonly seen during the summer months in New Jersey but stay in our environment all throughout the year, even when they become less active to conserve energy in the winter.
How Ants Affect Humans
Although ants are tiny, their effect on humans can be quite great. When ants get into our personal spaces, they can contaminate our food supply and make us need to throw away grocery items or risk getting sick. Some ants have been known to bite humans when they come into close contact, which can cause pain and discomfort even though the bites are not usually very severe.
Some people are allergic to the venom of ant stings, which can cause swelling, itchiness, and even difficulty breathing. Having an ant infestation can also affect people’s mental health by making them feel paranoid about bugs crawling on them or embarrassed about inviting guests over to the house.
Ants can cause damage to a home by creating nests in wood that is moist and in hollow areas inside and around a home. Carpenter ants, in particular, are skilled at tunning through wood and causing damage to household structures and furniture. Ants can also be a source of food for other insects, which means that by simply having ants around your home, you could be drawing in other pests as well to further complicate matters.
Dangers of an Ant Infestation
Something else to know about ants is that they can multiply quickly, so just a few ants in your home could turn into a full-blown infestation in no time at all. There are DIY methods that you can try to deal with an ant problem, such as powdered chalk, lemon peels, peppermint, and red pepper. But if these strategies aren’t getting the job done, it is time to call Precise Termite & Pest Control for professional help.
We have been keeping Northern New Jersey free of ants for over 30 years and know how to target the types of ants that are common to our region. We deliver prompt and affordable pest control solutions so that you can rest easy and go about your days without worrying about ants.
To ask any questions about our ant control processes or to schedule your free inspection, please contact us online or call us at 866-971-2847.