Ant Control for Summer in Chicago
Rising temperatures mean ants are on the move! Summer is the busiest time for ants to seek shelter, water, and food. It is the peak season for ants in Chicago, and many home and business owners deal with ants that seemingly never go away. If you have tried to treat ants on your own, instead of continuing to use home remedies that don’t work or toxic pesticides that may be harmful to your family and pets, consider the benefits of using a certified pest control company that chooses low-toxicity products that are effective in Chicago’s climate. There is no reason to use highly poisonous pest control methods anymore because new, eco-friendly treatments are affordable and used by the best pest control companies.
Ants On the Move
There is no mystery that ants are annoying when you find them in your home, business, or other space you don’t want little pests running around. It is even worse when they find the cereal box or something you forgot to seal. When you see them, you may wipe them away and start cleaning up food and crumbs with a little more diligence. After these efforts, it can be annoying and frustrating when they appear again. A pest treatment plan may carry you through the summer, but when choosing a pest control company, find one that guarantees their work, so if ants show up again, your in-between service is not an extra charge.
Because ants are cold-blooded, in cooler weather, they are less active. So, even if you didn’t see ants all winter, they were probably still there but dormant. As temperatures rise, you will see them more and more in and around the home, office, and open spaces like parks and pools. The summer weather speeds up ants’ metabolism, so they need more food and water than at other times of the year. Think of it as a person working out, they are thirstier and hungrier because their activity and metabolism are increasing. Ants during this time will travel further and be more persistent in finding sources they can use.
It’s Baby Ant Season
As with most insects, warmer weather means baby time. Breeding increases for ants and other pests during the hotter weather, so even if you are addressing the ants you see, they have many babies behind the scenes, ready to take part in your nightmare. In summer, ants breed, and the queens lay eggs that quickly become worker ants. This active breeding season leads to larger colonies and foraging that lands them in your home and office.
Humid climates make ants need water. Even humid climates don’t necessarily get enough water or rain to satisfy their needs as they breed and nest. When there is not enough water outside, ants will come inside, which is why they are often found around sinks, tubs, and outside by the hose connection. They also end up in your pet’s water bowls, go in for a drink, and forget they can’t swim. Change your pet’s water daily, especially if you find ants that may carry toxic pesticides. This is another reason to use low-toxicity treatments for ants because using poisonous products can be far-reaching.
Protect Your Home from Ants
Ant season is in full bloom, but there are some things people can do to help protect their homes and outdoor spaces from ant infestations. Taking a proactive approach now may help minimize the headache of dealing with them as summer unfolds.
- Entry points should be sealed, including cracks and gaps that ants may use to get inside. Check windows, doors, and pipes around the perimeter of the property.
- Don’t leave food out, and clean up crumbs. Cleaning up spills and storing food in airtight containers can prevent ants from wanting to be in your space. Don’t leave trash inside and take it out sooner rather than later.
- Minimize areas with moisture by fixing any leaky faucets and pipes. Ants will look for water and use your drains as a way in. Dehumidifiers can be used in basements and bathrooms to reduce moisture levels.
- Trim branches hanging over the structure and trim vegetation to keep ants from using plants and trees as a highway directly into your space. Taking away their access is a great way to minimize their invasion of your home!
- Professional pest control companies in Chicago can perform ant inspections. Bigfoot has served customers throughout DuPage and Cook County, and they take pride in their guaranteed satisfaction approach to ant extermination and prevention. Ants don’t have to be a source of frustration this summer – call the professionals!
Ants Be Gone
Don’t let ants disrupt your summer. Contact Bigfoot Pest Control today for a free consultation, and let us help you enjoy a pest-free summer. Effective ant control doesn’t have to be highly toxic, and we are so confident that we guarantee you will be satisfied. Call today at (847) 891-8852.