Ant Exterminator in Springfield MO Stops What’s Bugging You

Need an ant exterminator in Springfield MO and the surrounding areas to get rid of those pesky bugs? At Expert Pest Solutions, we offer a wide variety of services to control ants and most other common household pests. We have an option to fit your needs and your budget, whether you need one-time service or would like to enroll in our quarterly service program.

 

Most of us are familiar with ants because they are such a common insect. But you may not know that there are over 450 species of ants in North America alone. They come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, from the tiny, harmless black ones to large, stinging fire ants. Of these, only fifty species are known to invade homes. Thankfully, an even smaller subset of them are found in Missouri – only ten species. 

 

Ants are social insects that, much like bees, build large, complex colonies. One colony in California has been measured at over 560 square miles! Although ant colonies can be fascinating to study in the wild,  finding these little critters invading the sugar bowl is not a pleasant experience. When this happens to you, call an ant exterminator like Expert Pest Solutions.

 

Ants are troublesome due to a couple of factors:  their building habits and food preferences. According to the University of Missouri Extension Service, “In human environments, they build nests in soil, open lawns, under concrete slabs, stones or boards, adjacent to foundation walls, in the walls of houses, in decaying wood, or in cavity spaces associated with debris.” As far as ants are concerned, your house is the perfect place to shelter for the winter.

 

Ants will also eat just about anything. Because their colonies contain thousands of larvae, workers, males, and the queen, all of whom must be fed, they are constantly on the lookout for food. They are also excellent communicators! When they find food, ant scouts bring a message to the rest of the workers in the colony and leave a chemical trail for other ants to follow so they can join the feast. So not only will that tiny ant in the sugar bowl eat his fill, he will go home and tell all of his family and friends where they can find more!

 

There are a few things you can do to help avoid the need for an ant exterminator.  Keep food in sealed containers, wipe up any spills (especially of sugary substances), make sure your kitchen sink is empty and dry at night, and clean the floors often. Outside the house, keep debris cleaned up. Don’t stack things like lumber near your house. Seal any cracks in the foundation and make sure doors and windows are caulked completely. Be sure to empty your trash regularly and rinse out trash cans to eliminate food residue.

 

If you decide you need an ant exterminator, call Expert Pest Solutions at (417) 413-4776 or visit our website to request a quote. Our local team of certified professional exterminators will inspect your home and formulate a plan to eliminate existing pests and prevent future infestations. With over 25 years of pest control experience, Expert Pest Solutions has a plan that’s right for you!