What are ants?
Most people view ants as annoying and unnecessary creatures, and while they are annoying, ants do play essential roles in the ecosystem. Ants provide a food source for many animals, help to aerate the soil, and assist in seed dispersion. These insects can even help with small amounts of pollination. In most cases, ants are only annoying and unnecessary when they find their way to our Boston properties and into our homes. Then, these eco-important insects quickly become unwanted pests.
While many types of ants call our region home, in Boston, two species generally cause the most problems for homeowners: carpenter ants and pavement ants.
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants that find their way into homes and other structures. They are typically black, brown, red, or a combination of those colors. Carpenter ants are wood-destroying pests; unlike many species of ants that like to nest in the soil, carpenter ants prefer to build their nests inside pieces of wood.
Pavement ants are one of the most common species to find their way onto our properties and homes. They are small dark brown or black ants and live together in massive colonies. These ants prefer to nest in the damp soil found in cracks or along the edges of foundations, sidewalks, paved driveways, and cement slabs.
Please continue reading to learn more about ants in the Boston area and why working with a professional pest control expert is the best way to keep them away from your home.
Are ants dangerous?
Most ants that find their way to our properties, like pavement ants, are nuisance ants and don’t pose serious threats to people or property. Problems that nuisance ants cause include:
- Contaminating food sources
- Spreading bacteria to surfaces
- Taking over properties in large, difficult-to-manage populations
The carpenter ant is an example of a dangerous ant. When carpenter ants get into our homes and decide to nest in its structural wood, over time, their presence leads to costly damage.
To accurately identify and treat the type of ants that have found their way to your property, contact us at General Environmental Services.
Our Pest Library
Why do I have an ant problem?
Ants are one of the most common household pests to find their way into our homes. They will happily take advantage of our properties' food and shelter sources. As ants leave their outdoor nesting sites to forage for food, their small size allows them to move through small spaces in our home’s exterior. Once inside, if they find food, they will keep returning. Eventually, the ants may decide to build a satellite nest within your home to expand the colony in a place that offers safe, dry shelter.
Where will I find ants?
In more urban areas, ants create nesting sites in sidewalks, plant containers, or landscaped areas. In suburban and rural areas, ants build their nests in wooded areas, parks, and fields, as well as next to riverbanks and in yards.
Ants generally prefer to live and nest outside, but things like lack of food and safe shelter, predators, and unsuitable weather conditions drive them into homes and other structures. Inside houses, ants nest in cracks in foundation walls, behind wall voids, in insulation, under floors, and in attic spaces. Carpenter ants like to invade and build their nests within structural wood.
If you regularly spot ants moving in and around your home, it is time to take action. Never hesitate to reach out to a professional to eliminate ants. Professionals know where ants like to nest, will locate all their nesting sites, and can perform effective treatments to eliminate the entire ant infestation.
Customer Reviews
Read reviews from people in your neighborhood!
At General Environmental Services, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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“Jim, our technician from General Environmental Services, Inc. is and has been our technician for the past three years. He is always on time and follows up with any concerns we have between visits. GES is lucky to have him as a member of their team.”- Fran G.
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“Adam was punctual, gracious, and thoroughly professional. It was a pleasure to deal with him and GES.”- Amit S.
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“Our company, Hicks Management Group, has used General Environmental for over 20 years. They provide quarterly preventative treatments at our Boston property. Their service is excellent and reliable. They are very responsive!”- Julie S.
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“We've used GES for more than a decade, and they've always gone above and beyond! They're an A+, locally owned company that takes care of its customers.”- John T.
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“As always, the technician, Peter, arrived promptly as scheduled, and took care of the situation with a professional and pleasant approach. Thank you!”- David M.
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“I always appreciate the great response from GES. All team members are professional, from the customer service on the phone to the actual specialists in the field. Great job. Thank you!”- Jane D.
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I've been a customer for years, and I never have had any regrets. All the personnel are polite and professional, and the job quality is outstanding. Hats off to Craig with his wonderful personality and excellent service. I plan to remain a customer for a very long time.- Emily D.
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“GES has been very accommodating since we signed on with them a year ago. James Conley, our technician, is outstanding!”- Susan C.
