Are you finding small black ants marching their way across your kitchen counters or floors, disrupting your peace? In suburban areas like Sammamish, Issaquah, Carnation, Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue, WA, these tiny pests, often referred to as sugar ants or pavement ants, can be a persistent nuisance. As an experienced exterminator specializing in pest control for both homes and commercial buildings in the Eastside, I understand the frustration these invaders can cause. Let’s delve into effective do-it-yourself methods to tackle and prevent ant infestations in your kitchen.
Understanding Small Black Ants
Small black ants, commonly found in kitchens and around food sources, are attracted to sugary substances and crumbs. Identifying them correctly is the first step in effective control.
Signs of Infestation
Detecting an ant infestation early can prevent it from spreading and becoming more challenging to manage:
- Visible Ant Trails: Ants leaving trails to and from food sources.
- Presence of Ants: Finding ants in your kitchen or areas where food is stored.
- Frass or Debris: Small piles of soil or debris around entry points or ant nests.
Effective DIY Methods for Ant Control
1. Sanitation and Prevention
Preventing access to food and eliminating attractive conditions is crucial in ant control:
- Cleanliness: Keep kitchen counters, floors, and sinks clean. Wipe up spills promptly and avoid leaving food crumbs exposed.
- Sealing Entry Points: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes where ants can enter your home.
When to Seek Professional Help
If despite your efforts ants continue to be a problem, or if the infestation is extensive, it may be time to consult a professional exterminator:
- Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge to identify ant species and apply targeted treatments.
- Safe and Effective: They use methods that are safe for your family and pets while effectively eliminating ants.
Think ants are a nuisance only in warmer weather. Well the truth is that ants are pesky all year round. A Seattle homeowner noticed a huge colony of ants near the walls. The armies of ants were identified as being tiny small Black Ants. The homeowner knew it due to the fact that in the past there had been ants in the bathroom wall. Like most people a do-it-yourself product was used to try to get rid of the ants in the wall. But this was an unsuccessful attempt.
call a professional Pest Control Exterminator.
Are Do It Yourself Methods really effective to get rid of Black ants:
The little Black ants also known as Sugar Ants are not always readily seen. The pests can and will find different ways to enter the house. The ants favorite places to live are in the walls. It’s very common to try over the counter products such as insecticides and perimeter sprays. But it’s likely this may not take care of the problem. There is a big chance that infestations may be in more than one area. Keep in mind that do it yourself products aren’t full proof.
It’s highly likely that by the next day the ants will have moved the scent highway to a different location. Black ants can travel up trees next to the house. Perfect way to enter into the house through holes, cracks and crevices. A Branch will be used to cross over to the house. Stressed out, the homeowner checked inside and outside. Voila, ant armies galore were seen. The owner has had enough and calls AMPM Exterminators.