Ants and termites have a few things in common, which makes some people mistake them for each other. They require similar living habitats, but when both colonies are in one place, they can become hostile. Ants prey on termites, invading their territories and consuming them as a source of food. In large enough numbers, ants have even been known to extinguish termite colonies from homes.
However, activities from both species can cause damage to your home. Termites destroy homes by eating wood, while carpenter ants burrow into wood to create space for their colonies. They are both controlled by regular inspection and implementing control procedures, but how do they differ?
Identifying Ants and Termites
Though winged ants and termites are often confused for one another, identifying them can be easy if you know what to look for.
Ants
- Three body segments
- Bent antennas
- Long front set of wings and short hind set
Termites
- Two body segments
- Straight antennas
- Both pairs of wings are equal in length
The different physical characteristics of ants and termites are great, even though these pests are tiny. The next time you see an ant or termite, you’ll know how to tell them apart.
Cause of Brooklyn Ant Infestations
Ant infestation is often a result of poor sanitation. Ants come in search of sweet-based, protein-based and grease-based foods and shelter. They carry bacteria on their bodies which contaminate food and spread as they crawl. There are different types of ant infestations, and they each require different treatments. Knowing the cause or type of ant infestation you experience will help determine the best route of extermination.
Cause of Brooklyn Termite Infestations
Termite infestations occur for different reasons which are based on the type of termite that’s present. What they all have in common is their love of wood. The contact of wood with the ground gives termites something on which to feast. While some don’t require contact with the ground, an opening in your home’s foundation, roof or walls can also be an open invitation to termites. Having standing water around your home can also cause an infestation as some termites love damp environments, finding leaky pipes and roof gutters particularly attractive.
Ants and Termite Extermination in Brooklyn
When exterminating, it is never truly efficient to kill on sight. When you identify you may have an infestation it is important to know these pests are coming from a nest close by that is the source of the trouble. To properly eliminate ants and termites, you must find and destroy nests to prevent them from returning. Pest management technician, can create a profile that applies to your specific scenario with the best approach to get the pests out of your house for good. This method has been proven highly effective in contrast to stomping out every ant or termite one by one.
After an Ant Extermination
It is essential to maintain a sanitary environment to prevent the recurrence of an ant infestation. Vacuuming and wiping down surfaces can be useful preventative methods. Using airtight containers to store cookies and cereals can also be helpful since opened boxes are rarely made to prevent ant invasions. With the nest and queen extinguished, you’ll experience a time of freedom from ants in your home. However, be aware that any surviving ants can discover ant trails that lead them to a sanctuary away from treated nests if there are any.
After a Termite Extermination
After extermination, you may experience post-treatment swarming. This is when swarming termites, known as alates seek mates. They indicate the presence of nearby colonies and do not eat wood. Even if they’re not in your home, the presence of these swarmers does not indicate ineffective extermination. An effective treatment attacks the destructive workers and to weaken the colony, eventually terminating it.
Get Help From a Licensed Brooklyn Pest Exterminator
With no permanent solution to getting rid of ants, the best defense is to make it as difficult as possible for them to return. While preventative methods are useful, they are best paired with regular inspection. To ensure that your home has the best resistance against an infestation, contact us at (347) 365-2159 today! We have 15 years of experience, providing pest solutions in homes and businesses in Brooklyn and we have many happy customers to show for it.
