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  • Are There Fire Ants in Indianapolis?

Month: June 2023

Categories
Ants

Are There Fire Ants in Indianapolis?

Are There Fire Ants in Indianapolis?

Fire ants are a common problem in many areas of the United States. These aggressive insects can cause painful bites and even pose a threat to those with allergies. If you’re wondering whether fire ants are present in Indianapolis and what you can do about them, this article is for you.

Are fire ants local to Indianapolis?

Fire ants are not native to Indiana or even to the United States. They were first imported unintentionally from South America between 1910-1930. Fire ants primarily reside in Southern states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. However, there has been debate in recent years about whether these bothersome ants have made their way to Indiana. In 2022, a newly imported species of stinging ant, the Asian needle ant, was discovered in Indiana. These ants do have a painful sting, though the Asian needle ant is far less territorial and aggressive than the typical fire ant.

So although fire ants are not actually a specie of ant found in or near Indianapolis or Indiana, other species of stinging ants are and should be properly dealt with, especially if they invade our homes or yards.

What can you do about ants in Indianapolis?

If you’ve discovered ants on your property in Indianapolis, there are several steps you can take to control them. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Eliminate food sources

Ants are attracted to food, so one of the best ways to prevent an ant infestation is to eliminate their food sources. Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills. Store your food in sealed containers, and keep your trash cans tightly sealed. If you have pets, make sure their food dishes are clean and free of leftover food.

  • Use ant baits

Ant baits are an effective way to get rid of stinging ants. Ant baits contain a slow-acting poison that ants will take back to their colony, killing off the entire colony over time. Place the ant baits near the areas where you see ants, but make sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

  • Use insecticide spray

If you have many ants in your home, you may need to use an insecticide spray. Look for a spray that is specifically designed to kill ants, and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the spray.

  • Seal up entry points

Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest of cracks and openings. To prevent ants from entering, seal up any cracks or openings around your windows, doors, and foundation. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or foam insulation to seal up these areas.

  • Call a professional

If you have a severe ant infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company. A professional can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to get rid of the ants. They may use specialized treatments and techniques that are more effective than what you can do on your own.

Even if they aren’t fire ants, stinging ants can be a real dilemma in Indiana, but there are several things you can do to get rid of them and can keep your home ant-free and comfortable. In Indianapolis, residents can trust Trio Pest Control to keep their homes safe from stinging ants. From start to finish, our services are prompt and reliable, with a focus on customer satisfaction. With thorough inspections and a proactive approach, we can help identify potential ant infestations before they become a problem.

Categories
Ants

How Can I Keep Ants Out of My Kitchen?

How Can I Keep Ants Out of My Kitchen?

Have you noticed an increasing number of ants in your kitchen lately? Ants can quickly become a nuisance, and the task of trying to get rid of them may seem daunting. They are a common household pest, especially during the warmer months of the year. Ants are attracted to food and water sources, making your kitchen a prime target for infestation. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent ants from entering your kitchen and keep them out. In this article, we’ll discuss the best solutions for keeping ants away from your food and out of your kitchen.

Clean up spills and crumbs immediately

Ants are attracted to food debris, so keeping your kitchen clean is essential. Wipe up spills and crumbs as soon as possible, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink for too long.

Store food in airtight containers

Ants can smell food from far away, so it’s crucial to store food in airtight containers to keep them out. This includes dry goods like cereal, pasta, and snacks, as well as sugary substances like honey and syrup.

Seal cracks and gaps

Ants can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Inspect your kitchen for openings and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Keep your kitchen dry

Ants are attracted to moisture, so keep your kitchen as dry as possible. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets and wipe up excess water around sinks and appliances.

Use vinegar

Ants hate the smell of vinegar, so you can use it to deter them. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray around areas where ants may enter, like windows and doors. Plus, vinegar is a great kitchen cleaner!

Use essential oils

Certain essential oils, like peppermint and lemon, can also repel ants. Mix a few drops of your favorite oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to spray around your kitchen.

Use ant bait

If you already have an ant infestation, using ant bait can be an effective way to get rid of them. Ant bait attracts ants with a sweet substance and then poisons them. Place the bait in areas where you’ve seen ant activity, but keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Avoid attractants

One effective way to keep ants out of your kitchen is by avoiding leaving pet food and water bowls out. Ants love pet food as it provides them with a high source of protein and sugar which they require for their survival. Therefore, it’s important to feed your pets on scheduled times and remove any leftover food immediately after they’re done eating. Additionally, clean their bowls with soap and water daily to ensure no traces of food or crumbs are left behind to attract ants.

Call a professional

If your ant problem is persistent, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Professional pest control services have access to specialized equipment and chemicals that can effectively eliminate ant colonies from your property. These experts can inspect your home for potential entry points, identify the type of ant species present, and tailor their treatment plan accordingly. Their experience and knowledge also allow them to offer preventative measures to ensure that ants do not return in the future.

Keeping ants out of your kitchen requires a combination of prevention and treatment. By following the tips outlined above, you can help prevent an ant infestation from occurring in the first place. If you already have an infestation, calling a professional pest control company such as Trio Pest Control can be an effective way to eliminate these bothersome creepy-crawlies.

Categories
News

Is There a Green Method to Get Rid of Ants?

Is There a Green Method to Get Rid of Ants?

Ants can be a real nuisance for homeowners! They are persistent, and it can be challenging to get rid of them. Fortunately, there is a way to remove ants without resorting to harsh chemicals or poisons. This article will explore the green methods available to help you get rid of ants quickly and safely. We’ll look at natural repellents, traps, and other environmentally friendly solutions that won’t harm the environment or your family.

Prevention is key

The first step in green ant control is prevention. Keeping your home and surroundings clean and free from food crumbs, spills, and garbage is crucial in deterring ants from entering your space. Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and empty your trash regularly. Additionally, seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors to prevent ants from finding entry points into your home.

Natural repellents

Several natural repellents can be used to deter ants from entering your home. For instance, vinegar is a powerful natural ant repellent. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it along ant trails, entry points, and other areas where ants are present. To deter them, you can also sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, or coffee grounds along ant trails. These natural repellents are safe for the environment, pets, and humans.

Borax baits

Borax is a natural mineral used to make homemade ant baits. Mix equal parts of borax, sugar, or honey and place small amounts of the mixture in shallow dishes near ant trails or entry points. The ants will be attracted to the sweet bait, but the borax will ultimately kill them. Borax is relatively safe when used in small amounts, but it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It is safe for humans and pets but can be deadly to ants. When ants come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it absorbs the oils from their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where ants are present, such as ant trails, entry points, or nests.

Soap and water

A simple solution of soap and water can be an effective green method to eliminate ants. Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on ants or along their trails. The soap will disrupt their body’s waxy coating, causing them to suffocate and die. This method is safe for the environment, pets, and humans, but avoid spraying it on plants or other sensitive areas.

Natural predators

Introducing natural predators of ants can also be an effective green method of ant control. For example, nematodes are microscopic worms that can be applied to your yard or garden. They parasitize and kill ants, making them a natural and eco-friendly solution. You can also encourage natural ant predators like birds, toads, and spiders by providing them with suitable habitats in your yard.

In conclusion, while ants can be annoying pests, green methods are available to control them without harming the environment, pets, or humans. By practicing good sanitation, using natural repellents or baits, and introducing natural predators, you can effectively eliminate ants in an eco-friendly way. And if you still struggle with pesky ant issues after that, Trio Pest Control is here to help you say goodbye to the stubborn critters forever.

Categories
Bed Bugs

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Some may be under the impression that you cannot see bed bugs with the human eye. This is not the case, however. The bugs are allusive and small in size, but if you know where and how to look, you can see and identify them based on their color, shape and size. If you think you may have a bed bug problem, you will want to know what bed bugs look like to determine how to best remedy the problem.

Where to Find Bed Bugs

Before you start looking for live bugs, you need to know where you might find these pesky intruders. Some areas might include:

  • In your bedding
  • Crevices or seams of your mattress or box spring
  • Other upholstered items around your home
  • Carpet or drapes that are close to infected areas
  • Outlets, baseboards or cracks in the drywall

What do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Now that you know where to look, you need to know what the bugs look like at each stage of their life cycle in order to identify them accurately.

Eggs

The eggs of bed bugs are important to identify since these must be killed in order to stop the life-cycle of an infestation. Bed bug eggs, while tiny, are visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of a pinhead and resemble the shape of rice and are pearly white.

Baby Bed Bugs

An immature bed bug, or nymph, is the hardest live bug to find and identify. These are very small and have a translucent whitish color. They may mature as quickly as under a month and can procreate three or more generations in a year.

Adult Bed Bugs

Mature bed bugs are a little larger, about the size of an apple seed. They are brownish-red in color and have an oval-shaped, flat body. After feeding, they swell a bit, making them a little larger than their normal size. They have no wings and a protective exoskeleton that make it more difficult for them to squish and kill.

Other Signs of Bed Bugs

Looking for live bugs or eggs is not the only way to know if you have a bed bug problem. The creatures leave behind other pieces of evidence to reveal an issue.

  • Bloodstains on your bedding or mattress
  • Fecal remains on sheets
  • Skin that has been shed by the molting insects
  • Bites on the skin. These are typically red, raised and itchy and often in a line or zig-zag pattern.
  • Musty odor

If you suspect you may have bed bugs, the first step is to thoroughly check your mattress, box spring and bedding for live bugs and other evidence. Make sure to look in the crevices and seams as the bugs like to remain discreet. Check outlets and baseboards for any signs of the bugs. Also remember to check you and your family’s skin for unusual bites that resemble what we described above.

The treatment of bed bugs can begin with a thorough cleaning of the bedding and other areas of the home. If the infestation is advanced, however, an expert can devise a plan to treat and prevent future outbreaks in your home. If you find what looks like bed bugs, contact the professionals at Trio Pest Control to provide you with a consultation today.