Ants

Why ants show up

Ants are after the same three things we are: food, water and shelter. A few crumbs under the toaster, a pet bowl left out overnight, a leaky pipe under the sink or a gutter that never drains can all send a scout inside. Once one finds something good, it leaves a scent trail and the rest of the colony follows.

Weather matters too. Heavy rain floods nests and pushes colonies toward dry walls and kitchens, while dry spells send them looking for moisture. In Alabama and Georgia’s mild climate, many species stay active nearly all year, so it can feel like the problem never really ends.

Common species in Alabama and Georgia

Red imported fire ants build large dirt mounds in sunny lawns and along driveways, and they sting readily when the mound is disturbed. Carpenter ants nest in damp or damaged wood and push out fine shavings as they excavate, which makes them worth a closer look because moisture problems are often nearby. Odorous house ants are small, brown to black, and give off a rotten-coconut smell when crushed. They trail along counters and into sweets. Pavement ants, which nest under slabs and stones, and tiny Argentine ants are also common.

How we treat ants

Spraying the ants you can see rarely solves the problem, because most of the colony is somewhere else. We start by identifying the species, since a fire ant mound, a carpenter ant nest and a kitchen trail each call for a different approach. Then we inspect to find where ants are entering and nesting, and treat those entry points, trails and nests, inside and out.

Yard mounds are handled separately from indoor activity. We follow up and adjust if ants keep appearing, and recurring service helps as the seasons change.

Prevention tips

• Wipe up crumbs and spills, and store pantry items in sealed containers.
• Rinse recyclables and take trash out regularly.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and keep gutters and downspouts clear.
• Trim shrubs and branches so they do not touch the house.
• Keep mulch a few inches back from the foundation, and store firewood off the ground and away from walls.
• Seal gaps around pipes, windows and doors.
• Pick up pet food at night.