Tips to Prevent Ants This Summer

Tips to prevent ants in the summer here in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sNo one wants to deal with ants in the summertime. Unfortunately, they tend to overwhelm homes in Virginia this time of year. If you’ve had an ant infestation before, you know they can be downright frustrating. They tend to infest kitchens, bathrooms, and often can be seen crawling in trails along your floorboards. As the number one nuisance pest in the nation, it’s important to learn how to prevent ants this summer and all year long. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has years of experience getting rid of these pests and is here to share expert tips to prevent ants this summer.

Prevent Ants with These 5 Tips

No one wants ants inside their home. Ants can be ruthless and the infestations never-ending, making it important to know how to keep them out in the first place! To prevent ants, try the following tips:

  1. Keep a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  2. Store away food. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  3. Seal entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  4. Get rid of excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  5. Trim back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!

What Types of Ants Are Common in the Summer?

There are more than 700 species living in the U.S., which is why it’s crucial to know which one you’re dealing with in order to properly get rid of them! An infestation from any of these can be a major pain to deal with, making it important to know what you’re coming up against. A few of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter in our area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. For help identifying these pests, it’s best to get the help of a professional.

What to Do When You Can’t Prevent Ants

If the ants are flooding into your property despite your best efforts to keep them out, it’s best to contact a professional ant exterminator. At Ehrlich, we have the experience and resources needed to prevent ants not just in the summer, but all year long. To learn more, call our experts today!

True or False: Bed Bug Facts

Learn about bed bug myths in Virginia from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sA bed bug infestation is likely one of the most grueling pest problems you can experience. They may not be as dangerous as termites or as destructive as rodents, but they certainly can cause a lot of psychological distress! Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people, but they aren’t as terrifying as you may have been led to believe. To better prepare yourself for the possibility of one day getting an infestation, it’s important to learn what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to bed bugs. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s is here to dispel common bed bug myths.

8 Bed Bug Myths

  1. Bed bugs only feed at night. Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are able to adjust their schedule to fit yours!
  2. Bed bugs are only found in your bedroom. Bed bugs tend to congregate near areas where people rest. This includes sofas, chairs, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets!
  3. Bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are perfectly capable of being seen. They are the size of an apple seed and often grouped together, making it easier to spot an infestation.
  4. Bed bugs can jump and fly. Fortunately, bed bugs cannot jump or fly as other pests can. They have underdeveloped wings, and instead move from one spot to the other by crawling or latching onto a moving item.
  5. Bed bugs are attracted to messy or dirty homes. Unfortunately, anyone can get a bed bug problem. Unsanitary conditions will not lead you to get bed bugs in your home!
  6. Bed bugs latch or travel on people. Although bed bugs are known to hitch a ride on your purse or suitcase, they do not attach to people as fleas or ticks do.
  7. Bed bugs can live a year without feeding. While they definitely can survive months without a meal, they won’t make it through an entire year unless under optimal conditions.
  8. Bed bugs transmit dangerous diseases. Bed bugs may cause you anxiety and even itchiness, but their bites do not transmit disease as other pests do.

The True Danger of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs may not transmit disease or latch onto you like a flea, but there’s still cause for concern. A bed bug infestation is notoriously difficult to get rid of without the help of a professional pest control company. At-home or DIY treatments for bed bugs are, in a word, ineffective. To control an infestation, it’s important to use the best bed bug treatment options provided by an expert.

What to Do When You Have Bed Bugs

If you have bed bugs, you’re undoubtedly going to want to get rid of them as soon as possible. The team at Ehrlich can help. Our professionals will provide a thorough bed bug inspection before determining which treatment is best for your situation. Contact us today to learn more.