Rainy Weather Brings Out More Than Just Mosquitoes. Let's Talk About Ants.

Ants are masters of nest-building. They break up soil and carve intricate tunnels and chambers for their colonies. Fire ant hills, resembling large mounds of loose dirt, are conspicuous in lawns, while other species, like black garden ants, leave behind subtle signs of their deep tunnel networks. Light rain or sprinkles typically have little impact on ant hills, as water effortlessly flows through their channels without causing disruption. Once the water is absorbed into the soil, life in the colony resumes as usual. However, when heavy rainstorms bring flooding and oversaturate the soil, ants find themselves displaced from their nests, seeking refuge in alternative shelters—like your home!

So, how can you stay one step ahead of an impending ant invasion? Proactive control measures are key to ant-proofing your home. Rather than tackling ants individually, focus on fortifying your home against potential entry points:

1) Survey your lawn for ant mounds around your property. Just like we recommend for mosquito control, your first line of defense is be aware of where these pests are thriving.

2) Ensure tight seals on house openings, such as front doors, screen doors, and windows when closed.

3) Address cracks and unwanted crevices in your walls and outdoor foundation.

Now, not all ants construct mounds, but those that do are likely to make an appearance in your home after a heavy rainfall.

Keep an eye out for these two common ants in our area:

1. Pavement Ants: These dark brown and black ants form colonies under pavements, rocks, and cement slabs. Look for small clusters of dirt near stones, and check the placement of decorative stones around your home.

2. Fire Ants: Known for their aggressive nature and reddish color, fire ants deliver painful bites. While they won't build nests inside your home, they might venture in after rainy weather. Keep an eye out for ant mounds in your lawn, resembling loosely packed soil, and watch for dark red ants roaming your yard!

While we at Mosquito Elite don’t focus on these pests directly, we certainly can help! Stay vigilant, implement these preventative measures, and you can keep your home free from unexpected ant invasions brought on by wet weather.