Ants are one of the most diverse insects on the planet, with over 12,000 species around the world and 1,000 of those species residing in North America. New Jersey is home to 51 of those species, including some of the largest and most bothersome.
The cold weather of the Northeast is the driving force behind the wintry invasion of ants. When temperatures outside become too cold, ants will hibernate until the weather becomes suitable. The warmth of your home eliminates the hibernation process and allows them to thrive.
Carpenter and Odorous Ants
Two of the more problematic ant species in New Jersey are Carpenter and Odorous Ants. Carpenter Ants are the largest ant in the United States and can measure up to half an inch in length. Carpenter Ants construct their nests in wood, and though they don’t eat it, they will chew wood structures in and around your home. Carpenter Ants may enter your home to scavenge for food but are far more likely to be found in your garden or living inside your home’s structures.
Odorous Ants are far smaller than Carpenter Ants but are much more likely to be found in your home. You may have noticed these little black ants if you’ve ever left sugary food sitting out in the summer. Their diminutive size allows them to enter homes easily, and they form vast trails of ants leading from their entry point to their food source. Odorous Ants’ nests are usually not out in the open or easy to find like other ants but are typically near man-made structures where food is readily available. Their name comes from the cloying scent that is released when they are crushed.
Ant Prevention and Extermination
Preventing and exterminating ants can be difficult because there are different techniques for individual species of the insect. Some general forms of prevention are to keep nesting areas, like firewood and leaf litter, away from the home, keep food items and scraps cleaned up, and keep wood structures dry, and sealed, as wet wood is easier for ants to chew.
If you find you have an ant infestation, extermination by an expert is the best option for regaining control of your property. When choosing someone to evaluate and treat your pest infestation, be sure to hire a professional with local knowledge and years of experience. Don’t settle for exterminators with insufficient training or unfamiliarity with the habits of different ants.
With LBI Pest Control, you can rest assured that your pest problem will be professionally handled. We have been serving the Jersey Shore since 2003 and offer the best exterminating services in the area. We pride ourselves on providing fair, honest, and reliable service. If you are struggling with ants, LBI Pest Control has the skills and experience to assess your needs and implement the proper techniques to keep your home clear. We even handle emergency calls at night to serve our community better.
For an evaluation of your extermination needs, call LBI Pest Control today.