Ants Are Number One Pest Concern to Homeowners Across the Country?

FAIRFAX, VA (August 7, 2018) – Ants are the number one concern among the majority of Americans according to research from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and rightfully so. With the average colony containing thousands of individual ants, the NPMA advises homeowners to stay on top of ant issues before they get too severe.

“Ranked the number one nuisance pest in America, ant infestations are one issue homeowners can all commiserate about, but ants in the home shouldn’t be ignored,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Ants reproduce rapidly, and because different species require different treatments, an expert is your best chance for proper species identification and prompt control.”

Ants can find their way into many parts of the home, but here are some of the most common areas and tips for keeping them out:

Kitchen

Ants love to feed on sweets and fruit in addition to grease, oil, meats and corn meal. Sticky jars are exceptionally attractive to these invaders.

• Pro tip: Wipe down counters and sweep regularly to clean up spills and crumbs.

Bathroom

Moisture makes bathrooms highly susceptible to infestations. Carpenter ants, a wood-destroying species, are known to build nests in damp areas like behind bathroom tiles or under sinks.

• Pro tip: Repair leaky pipes, and check under sinks for areas of moisture buildup.

Backyard

Ants nest under rocks, in rotting logs, and under piles of bricks or lumber.

• Pro tip: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and keep shrubbery well-trimmed.

Driveway/Walkway

Ants forage along sidewalks looking for a bite to eat, and Pavement ants often mine under concrete slabs, sidewalks and driveways, or nest in nearby structures.

• Pro tip: Eliminate standing water around the home and ensure gutters and downspouts are functioning properly.

Ants are social insects that live in large colonies, so if you see one or two, you can bet they are telling their friends and a larger pest problem could be just around the corner (or behind the wall). If you suspect an infestation, be sure to contact a licensed pest professional who can help identify the species, find cracks and crevices where ants may be coming in, locate nests, and eliminate the problem.

For more tips on keeping ants out of the house, visit PestWorld.org.

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About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.