Ants on the counter are a common household pest problem that many homeowners face. Although ants may seem like a small issue, they can quickly become a nuisance and cause a lot of frustration for homeowners. Not only can they contaminate food and surfaces, but, in the case of carpenter ants, they can also damage wood.
Identifying The Ants On Your Counter
Before you can address the ants on your counter, it’s essential to identify the type of ant that you’re dealing with. There are many different species of ants, and each requires a unique approach to control.
Some common types of ants that you may find on your counter include:
Carpenter Ants: are among the largest household ants. They are typically black or reddish-brown and prefer nesting in damp, decaying, or damaged wood, which can lead to structural issues over time.
Odorous House Ants: are much smaller and emit a strong, unpleasant smell—often described as rotten coconut—when crushed. They tend to invade kitchens in search of sugary foods.
Pavement Ants: are small, dark brown to black ants that commonly nest in cracks of concrete, driveways, and building foundations, often making their way into homes from below.
The two most common ants in Minnesota and Wisconsin are pavement ants and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants (⅛” – ½”) are significantly bigger than pavement ants (¹⁄₁₆” – ⅛”). The differences between ants can be hard to see. If you need an inspection or help to identify the ants in your home, you contact Adam’s or fill out this form: adamspestcontrol.com/pest-info/identify-your-pest/
Preventing Ants on Your Counter
The best way to control ants on your counter is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Some tips for preventing ants include:
Keep Your Counters Clean: Ants are attracted to food and crumbs, so keeping your counters clean and free of food debris can help prevent them from entering your home.
Seal Food: Keep your food stored in sealed containers to prevent ants from having access.
Seal entry points: Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior to prevent ants from entering.
Prevention Pest Control: If you live in an area with a large ant presence, an Adam’s Pest Control Premier Ant Plan can help you be proactive in dealing with ants. This service works to address ants BEFORE they become an issue and if you do happen to still happen to see ants in between services, we will come back out and service at no additional charge.
You Don’t Have To Put Up With Ants…
Ants on your counter can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but with proper prevention and control measures, you can keep them out of your home. If you’re having trouble controlling the infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control company such as Adam’s Pest Control for assistance.
Email: Sales@adampestcontrol.com
Phone: 763-478-9810
