Long Islanders, Ant Season Is Upon Us!

The days are lengthening, birds are singing in the trees, and flowers are budding… it’s spring on Long Island. Unfortunately, along with the glories of the season come springtime pests – including the annual invasion of multiple ant species.

What Months Are Ants Most Active?

Ants are most active during the warmer months. They are particularly evident in March and April as they take advantage of springtime weather to nest and to forage for food and water. They will remain active until temperatures begin to cool in September and October.

What Types of Ants Are on Long Island?

Long Island is home to nearly a dozen species of ants. These include acrobat ants, Argentine ants, carpenter ants, citronella ants, field ants, little black ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and thief ants. There are even signs that invasive species like Asian needle ants and European fire ants are making incursions into our region.

Most ants are relatively harmless… but some may exacerbate or cause illness, and others can damage your home. The presence of ants in a home or business can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Ants can become disease vectors when they track pathogens across food preparation surfaces or directly onto human or pet food.

Ants are not as destructive as many other pests, but one species of ant can cause considerable damage to your home. Carpenter ants tunnel into wood to build their nests, which can undermine the integrity of wooden structures over time.

Will Ants in the House Eventually Go Away?

While the number of ants you see in your home or business may rise and fall with the seasons, it’s unlikely they will go away entirely. Once ants have found a source of food and shelter, they will continue to exploit it.

Ants can nest deeply within walls or under your house, providing protection for the colony’s queen. As long as a queen survives, the colony may regenerate and expand. If you have removed all their food sources and have sealed up potential access points but still see ants… it may be time to implement additional pest control protocols.

Do You Need to Spray for Ants Every Year?

We recommend treating your home for ants when they emerge each spring. Because ant colonies can contain tens (or hundreds) of thousands of ants, it may be necessary to treat more frequently in order to deplete or destroy a colony on your property. Many customers use our services on a quarterly, bimonthly, or monthly basis to ensure their homes or businesses remain ant-free and free from other pests.

Twin Forks Pest Control® Eliminates Ants Year-Round

Ants are a year-round problem that can pose health risks to your family, cause damage to your home, and attract additional pests that see them as a food source. Twin Forks Pest Control® is your ant specialist, with over 20 years of locating and eradicating ant colonies in and around Long Island homes and businesses. Contact us online for a free quote, or call (631) 324-9020 in East Hampton; (631) 287-9020 in Southampton, or (631) 298-0500 in Southold.