Ants are not only destructive but may also be harmful to the members of a household in Columbia, SC. Most species invade the property in large numbers and will cause damage all around the house if not properly controlled. As a property owner, it is important to conduct regular inspections to determine whether or not your property in Columbia, SC is under an ant invasion.
Ant Prevention
Whether you opt for DIY ant control or hire professional ant control services, the control strategy in place plays a huge role in determining the success of the outcome. You need to come up with an effective ant extermination plan before embarking on the actual process.
Conduct An Inspection
Before anything else, it is crucial that you conduct a proper inspection of the premises. The inspection should be aimed at determining the entry points of the ants, what has attracted them to the premises, and how to eliminate them. The results of the examination are then used during control for effective extermination. While it is possible to inspect by yourself, it is advisable to go for the services of professional exterminators. These professionals are often armed with skills and knowledge that make them very effective at conducting thorough examinations.
Determining Best Control Methods
After the inspection, the next step in your strategy should be determining the ideal course of action. Using the outcome of the inspection, you can establish the best way to kill the ants that are already in the property and prevent future invasions. There is quite a diverse range of ant extermination options. For instance, you can apply treatment directly to their nests. Another viable option is the use of bait which is strategically placed along their routes. They eat the bait and carry the rest back to the nest.
During the determination of the control method, there are several variables that you need to keenly consider. For example, in a house with children and pets, the use of bait is not usually the best option. This is another area in which the professional services of an exterminator will come in handy. They are knowledgeable about a variety of treatments that are less toxic and will not pose any danger to the household.
Prevention
Getting rid of the ants that are already on the property is not necessarily the end of the invasion. Your property is always exposed to the risk of being reinvaded unless you have put in place effective ant prevention methods. Comprehensive pest control services are usually inclusive of a prevention strategy. Using results from the inspection, such as the entry points of the ants and what attracted the ants to the property, will make it a lot easier to determine the best way to keep them off.
One way is by blocking their points of entry. Another effective way is by getting rid of anything that ants may be attracted to. You can also apply repellants on and around the property to ensure that the ants do not crawl in. By laying out a proper control strategy, you will not only be guaranteeing efficient ant control but long-lasting solutions as well.