Mar 21, 2025 | Pest Control
Ant infestations are a common nuisance in North Carolina homes due to the state’s warm climate and humidity. Though these tiny invaders may seem harmless at first, they can quickly become a serious issue, contaminating food, damaging property, and even causing allergic reactions. Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or new to the area, preventing ant infestations is key to maintaining a comfortable and pest-free home.
This guide covers practical, eco-friendly tips to protect your home from ants. From natural deterrents to professional pest control services, here’s everything you need to know to keep your space ant-free.
Protecting Your Home From Ant Infestations
The North Carolina Ant Problem
Understanding why ants are a concern in North Carolina is the first step in preventing them. The state is home to several common species, including fire ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants. Fire ants can inflict painful stings, while carpenter ants can damage your home’s structure by tunneling through wood. Odorous house ants are notorious for contaminating food and leaving behind a foul odor when crushed.
With such a wide variety of ants, effective prevention is crucial for both the health of your family and the integrity of your home.
Common Ant Entry Points
Ants can invade your home through even the smallest cracks. Be on the lookout for these common entry points:
- Windows and Doors: Gaps in window seals or door frames are easy access points for ants.
- Foundation Cracks: Even a small crack in the foundation can become a gateway.
- Plumbing and Utility Lines: Ants often travel through plumbing or electrical lines.
- Food Storage Areas: Open food containers or crumbs in the kitchen attracts ants.
Effective Prevention Strategies
Seal Entry Points
Sealing cracks and gaps is a simple yet powerful way to prevent ants from entering your home.
- Use silicone caulk around doors, windows, and the foundation.
- Install weather stripping around doors.
- Repair or replace damaged window screens.
Small repairs like these can go a long way in limiting ants’ access to your home.
Maintain a Clean Home
Ants are primarily attracted to food sources. Keeping your home spotless will discourage them from entering.
- Wipe down surfaces after meals to remove crumbs.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Empty trash bins frequently and use tightly sealed lids.
Extra attention in kitchens and pantries is key, as these areas are particularly appealing to ants.
Use Natural Repellents
Eco-conscious homeowners can take advantage of natural, pet-friendly repellents that are both effective and less-toxic for the environment.
- Citrus Peels: Place near windowsills or entry points to repel ants.
- Vinegar Spray: A mixture of vinegar and water disrupts ant trails.
- Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around entryways to create a natural barrier.
Control Home Moisture Levels
Moisture is another attraction for ants. Keep your home dry to deter infestations.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes promptly.
- Ensure gutters direct water away from the foundation.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
Proper moisture management benefits not only ant prevention but also helps keep termites and other pests at bay.
Pet-Friendly Pest Control Solutions
For pet owners, using non-toxic pest control solutions is essential. Traditional pesticides can be harmful to pets, so here are some healthier alternatives:
- Use bait stations rather than sprays to limit exposure.
- Choose non-toxic options like diatomaceous earth, which is non-toxic for pets but deadly for ants.
- Work with pest control experts who specialize in eco-friendly, pet-friendly solutions.
By prioritizing pet-friendly methods, you can eliminate ants without jeopardizing your pets’ health.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: The Role of Professional Pest Control
DIY solutions work for mild cases but professional pest control may be necessary for severe infestations.
- Customized Treatments: Professionals assess the extent of an infestation and recommend tailored treatments.
- Long-Term Prevention: Experts can help identify future risks and offer strategies to prevent further infestations.
- Healthier Solutions: Professional pest control companies use eco-friendly treatments that protect your home, family, and the environment.
Working with experienced pest control providers ensures that your home remains protected without harming your loved ones or the local ecosystem.
Choosing the Right Pest Control Provider in North Carolina
When selecting a pest control provider, ask the following questions to ensure they align with your values:
- Do you offer eco-friendly and non-toxic solutions?
- What guarantees do you provide for an infestation-free home?
- How do you ensure products are non-toxic for pets and plants?
These questions will help you find a pest control partner that is committed to your well-being and environmental responsibility.
Proactively Protect Your Home
Preventing ant infestations requires a proactive approach, including sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and using natural repellents. For more stubborn infestations, partnering with eco-friendly pest control professionals ensures the job is done effectively and with less-toxic chemicals. If you’re ready to take action, contact a professional pest control service in North Carolina to assess and protect your home from ants today.
Jun 19, 2023 | Pest Control
Ants are a common household pest that can quickly become a nuisance if they enter your kitchen or home. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also contaminate your food and surfaces.
There are many different types of ants, but some of the most common ones found in kitchens include Argentine ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants. Argentine ants are small and brown, while carpenter ants are larger and can cause damage to wood structures. Odorous house ants are small and black and emit a strong odor when crushed.
Here are some quick and easy ways to prevent ants from entering your home:
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
The first step in preventing ants from entering your kitchen is to keep it clean. Ants are attracted to food crumbs and spills, so be sure to wipe down your countertops and sweep or vacuum your floors regularly. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, as this can also attract ants.
Store Food Properly
Ants can easily access food that is left out in the open, so be sure to store your food properly. Keep your food in airtight containers, and store sweet or sticky foods such as honey and syrup in the refrigerator. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately to avoid attracting ants.
Seal Entry Points
Ants can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in your walls, floors, and windows. To prevent ants from entering your kitchen, seal any entry points using caulk or weather stripping.
Use Natural Remedies
There are several natural remedies that can help deter ants from entering your kitchen. Consider sprinkling cinnamon or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your kitchen to repel ants. You can also use vinegar or lemon juice to wipe down your countertops and floors, as the acidic scent will deter ants.
Call a Professional
If you have tried these do-it-yourself methods and still have an ant infestation in your kitchen, it may be time to call your local professional pest control company. These professionals can identify the source of the infestation and use safe and effective methods to eliminate ants from your home.
Mar 13, 2023 | Pest Control
Spring is a time for renewal and growth, but unfortunately, it’s also a time for pests to emerge from their winter hiding spots and wreak havoc on homes and gardens. North Carolina, with its warm and humid climate, is particularly susceptible to pests during spring. Here are some of the most common spring pests homeowners in North Carolina may experience, along with tips on how to prevent and control them.
Termites
Termites are a serious problem in the south, and spring is the time when they start swarming in search of new nesting sites. Termites can cause extensive damage to the structure of homes, and if left untreated, can lead to costly repairs. Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of termite infestations, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, and wood damage. To prevent termite infestations, homeowners should remove any wood debris or stumps near their homes, repair any water leaks or moisture problems, and have regular inspections by a licensed pest control professional.
Ants
Ants are another common spring pest in this area. They are attracted to food, water, and shelter and can quickly become a nuisance in homes and gardens. Ants can also cause damage to plants and can even bite humans and pets. Homeowners can prevent ant infestations by keeping their homes clean and free of food debris, sealing cracks and crevices, and trimming plants away from the home’s foundation.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments, making the south an ideal location for them to breed. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus and Zika virus, making them a serious health concern. Homeowners can prevent mosquito infestations by removing any standing water around their property, such as in bird baths or clogged gutters. In addition, homeowners can install screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
Ticks
Ticks are another common spring pest. They are often found in wooded areas and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Homeowners should take steps to prevent tick bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding tall grass and brush. In addition, homeowners can keep their yards free of debris and trim back any overgrown vegetation to reduce the likelihood of tick infestations.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a year-round problem, but they become more prevalent in the spring as the weather warms up. Cockroaches can contaminate food, trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, and transmit diseases. Homeowners can prevent cockroach infestations by keeping their homes clean and free of food debris, sealing any cracks or crevices, and reducing humidity levels.
By working with your local pest control company and taking proactive measures, you can protect your home and family from these common spring pests.
Sep 28, 2022 | Pest Control
Temperatures are getting cooler and we are starting to spend more time indoors. We aren’t the only ones inside, though. Many pests will appear indoors that weren’t around in the warmer months. Pests found inside are seeking warmer shelter to survive the winter and provide a food source. Let’s break down some common fall pests so you’re better prepared to prevent and treat them.
Spiders
Fall is the time when leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, but it’s also when most spiders begin to mate. You might see more spiders than usual indoors due to them trying to find a match. Outside, you may notice large webs around your home. Spiders are known for being beneficial and can reduce the number of other pests around your home, so be mindful when knocking down their webs outside.
Fire Ants
Fire ants build large mounds in soil and near structural foundations. They can even find their way indoors through cracks in buildings. When they feel threatened or disturbed, they can cause multiple painful stings and can become aggressive. Fall is the best time to treat fire ant mounds as this is when they’re most active.
Rodents
Like us humans, rodents are also in search of food and warmth in the cooler weather. Your home can become a welcoming environment for them. Be sure to rodent-proof your home by sealing gaps or openings around your home’s exterior. Keep outdoor vents covered, repair any holes or tears in window or door screens, and install weatherstripping around doors.
Beetles
You may notice an increase in overwintering pests, such as ladybugs, boxelder bugs, and stink bugs. These types of pests often resist traditional treatments with pesticides, so it’s best to take measures around your home to prevent more from coming inside. They’ll gather near the warmest areas of your home, usually on the south and west-facing sides. In these areas, check for any openings or gaps around windows and doors.
If you notice an influx of pests around your home this fall, reach out to your local pest control company who will provide you with a treatment plan that works best for you and your family.
May 19, 2022 | Pest Control
Household pests are any undesired animal that has a history of living, invading, causing damage to, eating food from, acting as a disease vector for, or causing any other harm to a human habitat. While many are just considered a nuisance, some household pests can become dangerous as they pose a risk to health, property, and lifestyle. Also, household pests aren’t just limited to insects. They include arachnids, rodents, and wildlife.
While household pests can be found year-round, some are more common in the summer months. Here are four of the most common summer pests and how you can prevent them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito season peaks during the summer months. Mosquitoes are able to reproduce in large numbers due to the warm weather and humid environments that accelerate their life cycle. If you have standing water on your property, you will most likely see mosquitoes since this is where they lay their eggs. Mosquitoes can be dangerous to humans as they carry pathogens that can cause serious diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes can be prevented by:
- Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Eliminating areas of standing water
- Repairing or replacing torn window screens
- Applying insect repellent
Ants
Ants hibernate in the winter and come out in full force during the summer. Ants are usually seen indoors during the summer because they’re searching for food and water as these can become scarce for them. They are also building up their reserves for the fall and winter months.
Ants can be prevented by:
- Keeping your home clean, especially the kitchen
- Not leaving pet food and water bowls outdoors
- Sealing cracks and holes in your home’s exteriors
- Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from the house
Termites
Termite swarming season is in the spring, but these newly established colonies grow exponentially in the summer. Termites can go long periods of time undetected. This allows them to cause significant damage to your home. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of termites so you’re able to catch them early.
Termites can be prevented by:
- Eliminating wood to soil contact around foundations
- Keeping plants a few feet away from your home
- Fixing leaks and eliminating any other sources of excess moisture
- Having an annual termite inspection performed
Flies
Flies invade your home in the summer months to escape the heat. While they only reproduce during the hotter months, getting indoors allows them to do so even more prolifically.
Flies can be prevented by:
- Keeping windows, doors, and vents sealed
- Using garbage cans with tight fitting lids
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Not leaving dirty dishes out
- Turning off outdoor lights at night
Don’t let these common pests ruin your summer. If you have a problem with any of these pests, contact your local pest control company. They will be able to help eliminate them safely and prevent them going forward.
