Ants

Most people view ants as annoying and unnecessary creatures, and while they are annoying, ants do play essential roles in the ecosystem. Ants provide a food source for many animals, help to aerate the soil, and assist in seed dispersion. These insects can even help with small amounts of pollination.  In most cases, ants are only annoying and unnecessary when they find their way to our Boston properties and into our homes. Then, these eco-important insects quickly become unwanted pests. 

While many types of ants call our region home, in Boston, two species generally cause the most problems for homeowners: carpenter ants and pavement ants.

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants that find their way into homes and other structures. They are typically black, brown, red, or a combination of those colors. Carpenter ants are wood-destroying pests; unlike many species of ants that like to nest in the soil, carpenter ants prefer to build their nests inside pieces of wood. 

Pavement ants are one of the most common species to find their way onto our properties and homes. They are small dark brown or black ants and live together in massive colonies. These ants prefer to nest in the damp soil found in cracks or along the edges of foundations, sidewalks, paved driveways, and cement slabs.

Please continue reading to learn more about ants in the Boston area and why working with a professional pest control expert is the best way to keep them away from your home. 

Most ants that find their way to our properties, like pavement ants, are nuisance ants and don’t pose serious threats to people or property. Problems that nuisance ants cause include:

• Contaminating food sources

• Spreading bacteria to surfaces

• Taking over properties in large, difficult-to-manage populations

The carpenter ant is an example of a dangerous ant. When carpenter ants get into our homes and decide to nest in its structural wood, over time, their presence leads to costly damage. 

To accurately identify and treat the type of ants that have found their way to your property, contact us at General Environmental Services.

Ants are one of the most common household pests to find their way into our homes. They will happily take advantage of our properties' food and shelter sources. As ants leave their outdoor nesting sites to forage for food, their small size allows them to move through small spaces in our home’s exterior. Once inside, if they find food, they will keep returning. Eventually, the ants may decide to build a satellite nest within your home to expand the colony in a place that offers safe, dry shelter. 

In more urban areas, ants create nesting sites in sidewalks, plant containers, or landscaped areas. In suburban and rural areas, ants build their nests in wooded areas, parks, and fields, as well as next to riverbanks and in yards. 

Ants generally prefer to live and nest outside, but things like lack of food and safe shelter, predators, and unsuitable weather conditions drive them into homes and other structures. Inside houses, ants nest in cracks in foundation walls, behind wall voids, in insulation, under floors, and in attic spaces. Carpenter ants like to invade and build their nests within structural wood. 

If you regularly spot ants moving in and around your home, it is time to take action. Never hesitate to reach out to a professional to eliminate ants. Professionals know where ants like to nest, will locate all their nesting sites, and can perform effective treatments to eliminate the entire ant infestation.

General Environmental Services is here to help you get rid of ants and other common household pests from your Boston property and prevent them from returning. Through our ant pest control services, our pest management professionals offer thorough inspections, high-quality services, effective treatments and techniques, and personalized attention. Our locally owned and operated company understands the unique pest pressure homeowners in Boston face and will work with you to maintain a pest-free home. Learn more about our superior residential or commercial pest control services by reaching out today.

To prepare for your upcoming ant treatment, please see our ant control preparation sheet.

Avoid a house full of ants with the help of these simple prevention tips:

• Keep kitchen and dining areas clean and free of food debris and sugary spills.

• Empty and sanitize your home’s trash cans frequently.

• Don’t store food on counters or tables; place them in the fridge or airtight containers.

• Inspect windows and doors, sealing any openings you discover.

• Caulk cracks in your home’s foundation.

• Fix leaky pipes and fixtures that can provide ants with a water source.

• Trim away branches from trees and shrubs that can provide ants a bridge to your home.

Despite best efforts, ants still find their way to our Boston properties. For the most effective ant control near you, please get in touch with us at General Environmental Services.