Your Local Pest and Rodent Expert!
ANTS
"Your Pest-Free Haven with JM Pest Solutions: My Commitment to Your Home"
At JM Pest Solutions, it's all about ensuring your home remains pest-free year-round. As an experienced and state-certified technician, I'm dedicated to providing safe, effective pest control services across Western Illinois and Eastern Missouri. My promise to you? If a pest problem persists after my visit, I'll return until it's completely eliminated.
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Tackling Those Unwanted Guests
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Ants suddenly showing up in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage are often tied to weather changes or a sweet temptation they can't resist. Dealing with them can sometimes be straightforward, but when it's challenging to locate their entry points, it becomes a puzzle.
A thorough inspection, along with a trusty flashlight, can make all the difference. In my general pest program, I address ant issues, but I can step it up by incorporating gel baits and eviction sealing for a bit extra. Some ant species are known for their 'budding colonies,' where they start a separate colony next door with a new queen. This is why finding those entry points is crucial, along with applying a bait that they'll carry back to the colony to eliminate the queen.
Ants and Food: A Pest Control Insight
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Ant invasions often revolve around a simple quest for food. These tiny intruders have a particular affinity for sugary and protein-rich items, making your kitchen a prime target. Within ant colonies, queens, workers, and drones play distinct roles. Workers, usually females, are the ones you see scouting for food. They leave pheromone trails to guide their fellow workers to the source. Remarkably strong for their size, ants can carry items up to 50 times their weight. Once they locate a reliable food source, ant invasions can persist for weeks, especially if alternatives are nearby.
Where Ants Reside
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Ants inhabit nearly every part of the world except for the frigid Arctic. Their colonies vary in structure, with sections for the queen and her eggs. In the U.S., common ant nests are underground, inside wood, or anthills made of dirt. Most species prefer outdoor living and forage indoors for food, except for carpenter ants, which tunnel into wood. Ants require warmth for optimal performance, making them more common in warmer regions. Their nests stay warm due to collective body heat and nest insulation. If left undisturbed, ant colonies can grow from hundreds to millions.
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Promptly addressing ant invasions is crucial. At JM Pest Solutions, our experienced technicians tailor treatments based on common ant habits and preferences throughout the seasons. Contact us today for effective ant control services to reclaim your home.
The top ant species native to Illinois include:
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Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): These large ants are known for nesting within wood, often causing structural damage to homes and buildings.
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Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile): These ants emit a foul odor when crushed, resembling the smell of rotten coconut. They are common household pests.
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Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum): Often found in cracks and crevices of sidewalks and driveways, they can also invade homes.
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Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta): Although not native, they have established themselves in parts of Illinois and are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings.
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Allegheny Mound Ants (Formica exsectoides): These ants build large mounds in open areas and are commonly found in prairies and grasslands.
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Field Ants (Formica spp.): These ants are often found in open fields and meadows, and they typically build mounds in the ground.
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Thief Ants (Solenopsis molesta): These tiny ants are known for stealing food from other ant colonies and are common household pests.
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These are just a few of the ant species you might encounter in Illinois. Each species has its own habits and preferences, which can influence the methods used for effective pest control.
"Preventing Ant Invasions: Tips for Success"
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To keep ants at bay, prevention is key. Since ants are primarily drawn by food, safeguarding your pantry and groceries is vital. Opt for airtight containers for food storage, rather than relying on flimsy store packaging.
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These containers, when sealed without gaps or holes, serve as a reliable defense against ant infiltration.
Additionally, thoroughly inspect your home or building for potential entry points. Ants can slip through even the tiniest openings, so ensuring a sealed structure is crucial. Seal small gaps around windows and siding with caulk and employ copper mesh to cover larger openings.
"JM Pest Solutions is simply outstanding! We were dealing with a relentless ant problem in our Belleville home for months. Mike Fries from JM Pest Solutions came to our rescue and, within a short time, completely eliminated the ant invasion. His professionalism, knowledge, and effective treatments saved the day. We can finally enjoy a pest-free home. Thanks, JM Pest Solutions!"
Breanne Thompson
Belleville
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