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Have you ever wondered why ant problems seem to get worse after it rains? Rainy weather can cause an increase in ant activity, leading to infestations in and around your home. Below, we'll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide you with practical tips to prevent and control ant infestations when the weather gets wet!
Wait — Doesn't Rain Kill Ants?
Surprisingly, ants are adept at outlasting wet situations. Rain alone usually won't kill them, at least not in a direct way. In fact, many species of ants prefer damp environments and moist soils.
When ants are submerged in water, they can survive by trapping air bubbles against their bodies. In fact, many ants can survive underwater for up to 24 hours. However, just because ants can survive rain doesn't mean they're not affected by it. Torrential downpours affect both their homes and their foraging.
Why Ant Problems Get Worse After It Rains
There are several reasons why ant problems tend to increase following periods of rain:
- Forced relocation: Heavy rain can flood ant colonies, forcing them to relocate to drier ground. This often leads ants to seek shelter in homes and other structures.
- Increased foraging: Rain can wash away the ants' food sources, prompting them to forage more actively in search of sustenance. This increased foraging activity can bring ants into closer contact with homes and other buildings.
- Moisture attraction: Ants are attracted to moisture, and the damp conditions following rain can draw them toward your home. This is especially true if you have areas of standing water or moisture issues around your property.
Now that you know more about the factors contributing to ant problems, you can work on implementing effective prevention strategies.
Preventing Ant Infestations After Rain
Here are some practical tips to help you prevent ant infestations following periods of rain:
- Eliminate standing water: Remove sources of standing water around your property, such as clogged gutters, leaky pipes, and puddles. This will make your home less attractive to ants (and other pests) seeking moisture.
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for gaps and cracks that could provide easy entry points for ants. Seal these openings with caulk or other appropriate materials to keep ants out.
- Keep food sealed: Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs promptly. This will help to reduce the ants' food sources and discourage them from entering your home.
- Maintain your yard: Keep your lawn mowed, trim shrubs and trees away from your home, and remove debris and leaf litter. This will help to eliminate potential nesting sites for ants.
Controlling Ant Infestations After Rain
If you're struggling to control an ant infestation following rain, it may be time to call in a professional pest control company like Sage Pest Control. Our experienced technicians can assess your situation, identify the ant species, and recommend the most effective treatment options to eliminate the problem.
You can help to keep your home ant-free, even after periods of wet weather, by taking a proactive approach to ant prevention and control. If you're in the Charlotte, NC area and need assistance with ant control, contact Sage Pest Control today at (704) 413-3398 for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you keep ants away!