March Comes With Ants
Very soon, many Virginian’s will start to notice the appearance of ants in their kitchens. Early prevention is the key to avoidance of on major infestations and can help you save on future treatments. Schedule your first visit when the temperatures start averaging about 50 degrees, especially if we have rainfall of more than 1.5 inches.
Several species of these insects colonize their homesteads in the Spring. Sugar Ants, or odorous house ants as they are sometimes referred to (the tiny brown/black ants that smell when crushed), are the first to appear and are usually witnessed indoors in bathrooms and kitchens. They are extremely persistent once they find a food source. Here’s exactly what they will do to get into a home — and stay there:
1. They Send Scouts First
A single scout ant enters looking for food. If she finds something sweet (syrup, pet food, juice, crumbs), she leaves a pheromone trail back to the colony. Within hours, you’ll see a full trail.
2. They Squeeze Through Tiny Gaps
They can enter through:
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Cracks in foundation
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Gaps under doors
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Window frames
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Utility line openings
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Even gaps as thin as a credit card
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Virginia’s humidity makes homes especially attractive in summer.
3. They Follow Plumbing & Warm Areas
Once inside, they often:
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Nest behind baseboards
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Move into wall voids
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Set up near sinks and dishwashers
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Colonize under flooring
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Hide behind cabinets
They LOVE moisture.
4. They Relocate When Disturbed
This is why sprays don’t work well. If you spray them:
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The colony splits
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Multiple new colonies form
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The problem gets worse
This is called “budding.”
5. They Overwinter Indoors
In Virginia, they commonly:
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Move inside in fall
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Stay through winter
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Expand in spring
If conditions are right (food + warmth), they may live inside year-round. Here’s why many people in the Charlottesville, Virginia area choose to call Holistic Pest Solutions to help with sugar ants (and other pest problems) instead of trying DIY fixes or calling another pest company:
1. They Take a Holistic Approach (Not Just Spray and Run)Instead of simply spraying chemicals where ants are seen, Holistic Pest Solutions inspects your whole property first to understand why ants are getting in and what’s attracting them. That means treating the root causes (entry points, moisture issues, food sources) — not just the symptoms.
2. Thorough Inspection and Targeted SolutionsTheir technicians use a flashlight first, not a sprayer first — they look for nests, trails, and conditions that encourage ants to enter. After that, they develop a tailored plan to prevent them from returning.
So now you know, March comes with ants! Let’s keep them from invading your home. CONTACT Holistic Pest Solutions if you want to learn more about our treatment plans or give us a call at 434 842 1700. Whether you’re in Charlottesville, Waynesboro, or close by to either, Holistic Pest Solutions has the perfect plan for you! Our treatments are mindful of our clients, and our Earth.
*Our Environmental Commitment: Holistic Pest Solutions is committed to the preservation of our environment. Our goal is to nurture the soils and plant life of lawns and landscapes. Utilizing holistic pest control practices that cause the least amount of impact on the environment.
