Clark Pest Control's Blog

Weather Warms and Ants Venture Indoors

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Thursday, March 18, 2010
By: NPMA

As the No. 1 nuisance pest in the United States, ants often become a problem in the warmer weather, as they move indoors in search of food.

But homeowners can take proactive steps now to help prevent a major infestation later.

With more than 700 species in the U.S., it's not surprising that ants are a very common home invader. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), one of the most destructive species is the carpenter ant, which tunnels through wood to build its nest. These insects, which are found nationwide, tunnel through decaying wood before attacking undamaged wood. A carpenter ant infestation can cause severe property damage, which is usually not covered by homeowners' insurance.

Fire ants are a species found in the southern U.S., usually in landscaped areas, garages and near structural foundations. When their moundlike nests are disturbed, fire ants attack with a painful sting.

The most common home-invading species include odorous and nonodorous house ants and pavement ants. These ants will eat almost anything including fruit, meat and cheese, and can contaminate food sources that they infest.

Click here to read the entire story publichsed by the NPMA