The ants go marching 2 by 2… and sometimes it feels like 200. Whether they’re invading your kitchen or crashing your cookout, ants in Massachusetts are very unwelcome, albeit common, household guests. But why do ants seem to invite themselves to your home year after year?
What They’re Up To
Ants are constantly foraging for food in order to sustain and grow their colony. The ants you see along your countertop are often just the tip of the iceberg; these scouts locate food sources and alert other members of the colony that dinner is served. More ants will then appear, following pheromone trails left by the scouts – that’s how one ant becomes dozens in the blink of an eye.
What’s on the Menu
In order to survive, ants need carbohydrates and protein. In the wild, they will get these nutrients from other insects, fruits, and blooming plants, which is why they are so busy in the spring. In and around your home, ants will help themselves to anything similar to their natural diet, including food crumbs, pet food, fruit, juice, even grease residue and trash. Like most living things, ants also need water, which means damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are ideal spots for ants to hang out.
What to Do
There are some DIY methods of ant prevention, but when those aren’t cutting it, call a professional. Using over-the-counter products to kill the ants you see can drive the whole colony to another area of your home – which, needless to say, is not what you want. The ant control experts at Burgess Pest have the know-how and the right products to kick ants to the curb, so you can get back to your life, uninterrupted.
