Spring in Oklahoma City brings a lot of great things: warmer weather, gorgeous sunsets, and blooming flowers. But it also ushers in some unwanted houseguests, namely, black ants in the house.
If you’ve spotted ants scurrying across your kitchen counter or lining up by the pantry door, you’re not alone. Ant infestations are a common issue this time of year, and while they’re not particularly dangerous, they are annoying.
The good news? You can take action to send them packing without losing your sanity.
Before you grab the nearest can of store-bought spray, it’s important to understand why black ants are targeting your home and what you can do to stop them for good.
Why Are Black Ants Invading?
Black ants aren’t trying to make your life difficult (even though it feels that way). Like most creatures, they’re just searching for food, water, and shelter.
Your house might be an all-you-can-eat buffet for them, especially if there are crumbs, spills, or uncovered snacks on your counters. Once ants find a steady source of food, they’ll send out signals to invite the rest of their colony over.
Another reason they might be turning your home into their spring break destination is the weather. After a chilly winter, ants venture out to build new nests or relocate existing ones.
And if wet soil or heavy rains disturb their outdoor home, guess where they’re heading? Yep, your warm, cozy house.
Now, you might be wondering whether there are any risks to having these pests around. Namely, do black ants bite or spread diseases?
The good news is that most species of black ants aren’t known for biting or making people sick, though they can certainly contaminate food when they track bacteria across your kitchen counters. That’s why investing in a solid ant control strategy is a wise choice, even if ants may not be as vicious as, say, black widow spiders or giant wasps.
How to Identify Black Ants in the House
Not all ants are created equal, and knowing what you’re dealing with helps you plan your next move.
The black ants most often seen in Oklahoma City homes are tiny, around 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch long. They tend to move in well-organized trails (think of tiny highways), and you’ll usually find them near food sources like the kitchen, pantry, or dining areas.
You might also spot them around sinks and bathrooms, where they scout for water. These aren’t carpenter ants, black ants, or “odorous house ants,” which won’t damage your home’s structure. But they can multiply quickly and become a serious inconvenience if left unchecked.
Steps to Get Rid of Black Ants in the House
Here’s a step-by-step plan to evict these ants and reclaim your home from these marching little bugs:
1. Clean Up Food Sources
The easiest way to discourage ants is to take away their food supply. Wipe down counters and tables, sweep floors regularly, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Store pantry snacks like chips, cereal, and sugar in airtight containers to keep ants from sneaking in. Even pet food should be stored carefully, as ants won’t hesitate to raid Fido’s kibble.
2. Look for Entry Points
Ants are tiny, which means they can squeeze through the smallest cracks and crevices. Check areas around doors, windows, and baseboards for openings.
Seal up any gaps you find with caulk or weatherstripping, and repair any damaged screens. If you notice them trailing inside, follow the line of ants to see where they’re coming from. It’s often a great clue to their entry point.
3. Use Bait Stations
When it comes to ant control, bait stations are a game-changer.
Unlike sprays that only kill on contact, baits attract foraging ants, which carry the poison back to their colony. This wipes out the problem at the source. Place bait stations near the areas where you’ve noticed ants and give them some time to do their thing.
4. Avoid DIY Sprays and Remedies
We get it, grabbing a can of spray feels like a quick solution. But sprays often scatter the ants, making it harder to locate their nesting site. Plus, they might not address the root issue, so the invasion won’t stop.
The same goes for home remedies like lemon juice and cinnamon; while they might temporarily confuse ants, they rarely provide a long-term fix.
5. Keep Your Home Dry
Black ants need water as much as they need food. Fix any leaks in your home, wipe up spills promptly, and ensure areas like kitchens and bathrooms are kept as dry as possible. Pay extra attention to areas around sinks and tubs, as moisture tends to attract not only ants but other pests as well.
6. Call in the Experts
If you’re still seeing ant trails despite your best efforts, it might be time to bring in the pros. That’s where Thunder Pest Control steps in.
ChatGPT said:
With years of experience helping Oklahoma City residents deal with these pests, we know exactly how to handle even the trickiest ant problems. As your trusted exterminator Norman OK, our customized treatment plans target ants at their source, giving you peace of mind and a pest-free home.
How to Keep Black Ants Out in the Future
Prevention is the best cure, so once you’ve gotten rid of the ants, make sure they don’t come back. Continue with regular cleaning habits to keep food and moisture off their radar. Seal up any entry points and do a seasonal inspection to ensure no gaps or crevices get overlooked.
Trim back shrubs or tree branches touching your home (ant superhighways!) and keep mulch and leaves at least a foot away from your foundation.
If you want to go the extra mile, schedule routine Norman pest control treatments with us at Thunder Pest Control.
Say Goodbye to Spring’s Most Annoying Guests
You don’t have to share your home with ants this spring or any other time of year! With the right approach, you can quickly resolve the problem and take measures to prevent it from happening again.
If those ants are proving too stubborn or you’re dealing with other pests, give us a shout.
At Thunder Pest Control, we’re experts at sending ants packing, and we’d love to help you protect your home. Get in touch today for reliable pest control Norman OK and keep your house pest-free this season!
