The Key To Keeping Ants Out Of Your Elk Grove Home During The Winter Months

As winter settles in, many homeowners fall prey to the assumption they’ll finally get a reprieve from the intrusive ants that pestered them throughout the summer and early fall. However, the surprise comes when certain species stick around for the colder months ahead. In fact, many types of ants remain active throughout the year, seeking refuge indoors to escape colder temperatures. All of a sudden, you're forced to navigate a new set of challenges after assuming your struggles with pesky ants were over.

Fortunately, you don't have to deal with these wintertime intruders alone. At Bell Pest Control, we provide exceptional ant control in Elk Grove to make your home a winter wonderland where these insects cease to exist. Read on to learn more about these creatures and how our team employs innovative ant control strategies to defeat them.

Winter Ant Species: Identifying Cold-Weather Intruders

Just when you thought ants only annoyed you during the warmer months, it turns out that these pests defy the common misperception of being a seasonal nuisance. Odorous house ants remain active indoors throughout the winter, which you may, unfortunately, discover if you accidentally crush them only to get a whiff of that rotten coconut aroma they emit. Thief ants also invade homes in search of food and shelter when the temperatures drop.

Carpenter ants are also known for trespassing on residential properties during this time of year. With a ravenous appetite for cellulose-based materials, they can potentially damage your property. Even though pharaoh ants typically thrive in warmer climates, they’re no stranger to finding their way inside structures to survive the cold.

To get a better handle on winter-active ants, get in touch with your local pest management for effective ant control measures for your home.

Six Simple Ways To Deter Ants On Your Own

When winter is on its way, it's time to strengthen your defenses against ants to keep them from comfortably settling into your home when winter arrives. Take a look at these six easy ant prevention tips to ensure your domain remains a peaceful place, even when the colder weather rolls in:

Store your food promptly and properly in airtight containers.
Close up openings or cracks around your foundation, windows, and doors.
Remove food crumbs and spills quickly by wiping counters and sweeping floors.
Take out your trash on a consistent basis, making sure bins are tightly covered.
Consider using natural deterrents, like peppermint oil or vinegar, to disrupt pheromone trails.
Address excess moisture issues and drain any standing water.

Additionally, trim your plants, shrubs, and tree branches to eliminate potential bridges for ants to access your home easily. Consult with a qualified pest service for more helpful tips.

Should You Kill Ants You See Inside?

When you witness the sight of ants scurrying across your counter, the obvious reaction is to squash them immediately. However, it's important to realize that these stragglers most likely came from a massive colony hidden somewhere in your home. So, eliminating a few here or there won’t make a dent in their growing population. Large groups of ants tend to remain concealed to protect their nests, which makes it challenging to eradicate the entire colony.

That's why it's imperative to give our team at Bell Pest Control a call for a comprehensive approach to ant control for your house that addresses both the seen and unseen aspects of the infestation.

The Secret to Total Ant Control For Elk Grove Homes

For the most dependable ant pest control services in Elk Grove and surrounding areas, trust our experienced service technicians at Bell Pest Control to keep your property pest-free from season to season. Since 1978, we've provided top-tier pest management solutions that our residents can rely on. Whether it's winter, spring, summer, or fall, we’ve got you covered.