With the return of the warmer spring months, many Maryland homeowners are opening their windows to let in fresh air. With so much to love about this time of year, it is easy to forget about some of the seasonal pests that are about to rear their ugly heads.
Ants are one of the most common types of pests found in Maryland, especially during the spring when the temperatures start to rise and food and water become more readily available. If you previously dealt with an ant infestation in the preceding summer or fall, you may be surprised to discover that those same ants never really left your property and are coming back again in the spring.
While ants can be manageable using storebought goods and prevention tips, severe infestations often require professional help. Here is everything you need to know about ant infestations in the spring and what you can do to prevent or stop them.
Why Ants Return to Maryland Homes Every Spring
The spring brings a mix of heavy rain and warm sunshine, which may make your home the perfect place to establish a shelter. During the wetter months of April and early May, ants often hide indoors to take refuge from the rain.
As the temperatures rise and the foliage returns, keeping that screen door open or window cracked will also invite in ants in search of food and shelter.
In some cases, a previous colony that may be hiding inside your walls during the winter months may also reappear if you never eliminated them completely.
It is important to note that while seeing the occasional ant in your home is not automatically cause for concern. However, you should contact an exterminator if you notice several ants in your home at one time, as this may be indicative of an infestation.
Common Types of Spring Ants Found in Maryland
There are several types of spring ants that can be found in Maryland this time of year. Understanding which ant you are dealing with will help you discover signs of an infestation and the source of their colony.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the most commonly found ants in Maryland. These large black ants can be incredibly destructive and are known to damage homes, particularly the wood in homes, as they excavate the wood to build their nests and can cause significant structural damage.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are the small dark brown or black ants that you typically see congregating in large groups on sidewalks and pavement, hence their name. Pavement ants are not typically harmful to humans but can become bothersome if they make their way into your home, as these ants are known to seek out food and water sources.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants are another common type of ant that can be found in Maryland. These ants get their name from the foul smell they emit when crushed. Like pavement ants, odorous house ants are not typically harmful to humans but can become a problem if they infest a home.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are less common in Maryland but can still pose a problem for homeowners who encounter them. They are small, slender, brown ants that usually live outside but seek shelter indoors during the colder months.
Monomorium Minimum (Tiny Black Ants)
These tiny black ants tend to infest surfaces in great numbers in search of food and water. They can pop up just about anywhere, though they are mostly found around food scraps and garbage.
Signs of an Ant Infestation
While different ants will exhibit different behavior, there are several common signs of an ant infestation to be aware of, including:
- Seeing ants in or around your home: Seeing either live or dead ants in or around your home can be a sign that you’re dealing with an infestation and may be worth contacting an exterminator.
- Piles of dirt: Anthills typically look like piles of dirt, as these pests build these mounds as an entrance to their underground nests.
- Ant nests: Ant nests can look similar to anthills and are usually found under rocks, in trees, and even inside homes.
- Ant trails: Ant trails are chemical paths that ants use to communicate and help each other find food and avoid danger. Seeing ant trails is a good sign that you may be dealing with an ant infestation.
- Wood damage and frass: Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wood by excavating it to build their nests. If you notice damage to the wood in your home or wooden structures on your property, it may be worth looking into to determine if you have carpenter ants or termites.
- Hearing rustling in your walls: Carpenter ants often burrow into the walls of a home as they excavate through wood, so if you hear any unusual rustling noises coming from inside your walls, you may want to reach out to an exterminator.
How to Prevent Them from Entering Your Home
Keeping ants from invading your home is not as difficult as you might think and it’s always easier to plan in advance of ants each spring to maximize your results. Here are some helpful tips to protect your home this spring:
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices
- Properly seal and store all food and drinks
- Take your trash outside regularly
- Remove any standing water from your property
- Use natural repellents like essential oils and vinegar
Another point to consider is eliminating any previous infestation from the year before. Even if you cannot locate and destroy the colony, taking steps to remove any attractants will help prevent ants from returning to your property the following spring.
When to Call an Exterminator
While seeing the occasional ant or two is not typically cause for concern, you do want to act fast if you notice several ants at one time in your home. Contacting a trusted and experienced exterminator at the first sign of an infestation is the best way to ensure the problem is being taken care of quickly and effectively.
An exterminator will be able to identify the source of an infestation and conduct any follow-up monitoring to ensure that ants have been eliminated from your house for good.
FAQs
How do ants find their way indoors?
Due to their small size, ants are able to make their way indoors by squeezing through tiny cracks and crevices in a home. They can enter a home through open doors, windows, or cracked screens.
What attracts ants to my home?
Ants primarily seek food and water sources, so if your home has those resources readily available, they are more likely to invade.
Are ants dangerous or harmful?
Most household ants are not known to be dangerous to humans; however, some may trigger allergic reactions in certain people if bitten, and they can cause itchiness and swelling.