Ants may be small, but when they start marching through your home or yard, they quickly become a big problem. Whether it’s a trail of ants in your kitchen or ant colonies in your yard, Monticello Pest Solutions is your local professional pest company that provides professional, safe, and effective solutions. As your trusted Charlottesville pest control provider, we specialize in ant control that actually works. In this post, we break down common questions that we get about ants and walk you through how to get rid of them.
Why Are Ants Invading My Home?
Ants enter homes looking for food, water, and shelter. A few crumbs, a leaky faucet, or even pet food can draw them in. Once they find what they’re looking for, they leave scent trails that invite the rest of the colony to join in. What starts as a few ants can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation. If you’re seeing even just a few ants, there are likely a lot more hiding nearby so don’t wait to take action.
What Types Of Ants Do You Typically See In Charlottesville?
Living in Charlottesville, we commonly see species like odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and pavement ants.
Odorous house ants are small brown or black ants that give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They’re attracted to sugary foods and therefore are commonly found in kitchens and pantries.
Odorous House Ants; Photo Credit: National Pest Management Association
Carpenter ants are large black ants that tunnel through wood to build their nests, which can lead to structural damage over time. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood — they just hollow it out, often leaving behind sawdust-like debris. Carpenter ants are attracted to your home primarily by moisture and soft, decaying wood. They prefer to nest in damp areas like leaking windows, roofs, decks, and bathrooms. They can also be drawn indoors by food sources, especially sweet substances, pet food, and grease.
Carpenter Ants; Photo Credit: PestWorld.org
Pavement ants are the small, reddish brown ants commonly seen along pavement and sidewalks. They like to feed on greasy and sweet foods. Typically, you’ll find them along the sides of garages and houses. They can get into your home if there are cracks in areas like basement walls, windows or doors, and concrete floors. Pavement ants are more likely to be found indoors during the winter months because the ants seem to prefer to forage outdoors for their natural foods during the summer.
Pavement Ants; Photo Credit: PestWorld.org
Whether they’re nesting in your walls or foraging in your pantry, ant problems are best handled by a professional pest control provider who understands the behavior of these most persistent pests.
What Are Your Ant Control Or Removal Treatment Options?
At Monticello Pest Solutions, we use a strategic, science-backed approach to eliminate ants and prevent future infestations. Our process begins with a thorough inspection to identify entry points, nesting sites, and the species of ants present. Once we understand the problem, we implement targeted treatments that effectively eliminate ants at the source. Our treatment methods include a combination of the following:
- Targeted baiting systems that attract and eliminate ants at the source.
- Barrier treatments around your home to block new ants from coming in.
- Eco-friendly solutions that are tough on ants, but safe for your family and pets.
Unlike DIY methods, which usually only address surface-level activity, our professional-grade products and techniques are designed to wipe out entire colonies and stop the cycle of infestation.
How Do You Eliminate Ants From Your Home And Prevent Future Ant Infestations?
Effective ant prevention doesn’t stop at treatment. If you’re trying to get rid of ants in the house and prevent them in the future, here are a few helpful tips:
- Clean surfaces and floors daily to remove food particles and disrupt scent trails.
- Store food in airtight containers, this includes pet food.
- Fix any moisture issues, like a leaking roof or damp areas under sinks in your bathroom and kitchen.
- Seal potential entry points around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent easy entry into your home.
- Clean up yard debris and trim vegetation that touches your home.
These steps can help reduce ant activity, but to truly eliminate the ant colony, professional treatment is often needed and strongly recommended.
For long-term peace of mind, we also offer ongoing maintenance plans that keep your home or business protected year-round.
Why Choose A Local For Ant Control?
When you hire Monticello Pest Solutions, you’re getting a team of pest experts that understands the unique pest challenges of the greater Charlottesville region and can craft custom solutions that fit your needs.
We’re committed to delivering results that are effective, safe, and backed by expert knowledge. For long-term peace of mind, we offer year-round pest protection plans with our Preferred Home Defense and Premier Home Defense Programs. Contact us today to schedule your treatment, so you can enjoy a pest-free space. Learn more about how we treat for ants.
