If you’ve ever seen a colony of ants scurrying around your kitchen, you know well what a nuisance they can be. Unfortunately, eliminating the occasional ant that finds its way inside doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear – ants lay down scent trails to signal other ants where food and shelter are located, so before you know it, you could have an entire army of them storming through your living room.
It’s important to understand both the cost and best practices for DIY and professional ant exterminations so that fast and effective solutions can be implemented. And if you really want to stay on top of things, there are also several preventative measures to keep those pesky critters from coming back again!
Common Signs of Ant Infestation
Ants may be tiny, but they can surely cause a big nuisance in the home when they set up an unwelcome infestation. From Carpenter Ants to Pharaoh Ants, understanding different species of ants and the signs of their presence is key to dealing with an ant problem before it escalates. And though identifying an infestation’s cause may seem like detective work, homeowners can follow some simple steps to determine whether or not their property has been overrun by these pesky critters.
Carpenter Ants
It seems like carpenter ants have it all figured out; they tunnel into wood to make their nests, and when they’re done with that, the mess is neatly tidied up with sawdust—what more could you want?
If you find sawdust around the edges of window sills and floorboards, it’s a telltale sign of an infestation. You’ll want to tackle this problem quickly before it becomes an even bigger issue. Don’t wait too long, or else you might be facing expensive repair costs further down the line––not to mention forfeiting your humble abode to some hard working buddies.
Fire Ants
Fire ants may not be lethal, but their stings can sure be irritating! If you’ve ever spotted one of those sandy mounds in your park, playground or even backyard, then you know that this little pest is nesting nearby.
Warm weather and areas with food and garbage will be the first places a fire ant looks to build its mound. And there’s no way you’ll miss it – these mounds can reach as high as seven inches tall and as wide as 24 inches long!
In addition to the pain they may cause with their stings, fire ants are also dangerous for kids and pets- so if you spot them near your home, it’s best to call the exterminator right away.
Pharaoh Ants and Other House Ants
Pharaoh ants have a history as regal scavengers. With their fancy feudal lineage, they roam in search of nearly any kind of tasty treat they can get their hands on.
Then there’s the odorous house ant that has a nose for sweets and water but leaves a nasty odour when you squash ’em – the stench akin to rotting coconuts. So if you spot some of these raiders traipsing along your kitchen countertops or floors, what do you have to worry about?
Probably more than if we were just dealing with common crumbs – both species are known for tracking harmful bacteria into your domain!
What’s the Average Ant Exterminator Cost?
No one wants to find ants all over their home, and it seems like getting rid of them can be just as much of a problem as having them. But fear not! HomeAdvisor offers up some estimates to help you budget for your ant extermination.
How much? Between $80 and $500, with the sweet spot being around the average at $150. More if you need multiple treatments, less if you go for one-off visits. Spending a little extra money on follow-up appointments is worth the peace of mind! So dust off that bug spray; after all, an ant-free home is priceless.
Factors That Affect the Price of Ant Extermination
When it comes to the cost of ant extermination, you may feel like you’ve already been hit in the wallet. But with the right information, you can get a price tag that won’t leave you feeling short-changed. A number of factors determine your total estimate, from the type and severity of the infestation to the size of your home and the treatment procedures required. Understanding these key variables will help ensure that your exterminator bill doesn’t break the bank.
Ant Species
Different species require different methods, so be sure to remember that getting rid of carpenter ants burrowed inside your walls could cost more than kicking out those pesky fire ant mounds.
Square Footage
Price points can also be determined by square footage, but don’t worry; if your home is bigger or smaller than the average size, your exterminator has probably got you covered with a general increase or decrease.
Severity of Infestation
Generally speaking, the more severe the infestation, the greater the cost in terms of time, visits, and effort required by an exterminator to deal with it.
Extermination Techniques
Your provider can let you know the different extermination techniques available, along with the cost associated with each. It’s important to note, however, that those costs won’t be uniform – a treatment spray is going to be cheaper than using a combination of sprays and traps set by a professional.
DIY Ant Removal vs Hiring an Ant Exterminator
If you’ve got ants in your pants (let alone in your kitchen), there are a few DIY treatments to consider. The cost? Your time and possibly the cost of some slight irritation (from spraying insecticides) – that the ants will most definitely feel more!
But be warned, if these at-home methods fail to eradicate your pesky problem, it’s time to seek professional ant removal help. Sure, hiring a pest control company may set you back financially, but rest assured knowing that they’ll handle the situation swiftly and get rid of those tiny troublemakers faster than you can say ant infestation.
