ANTS & TERMITES
ANTS
Common Ants in the Overberg Area:
In the Overberg region, Argentine ants, Pharaoh ants, and Pavement ants are the most frequently encountered species. Known for their social behaviour, ants form large colonies that help them thrive in a variety of environments. While they are especially active during the summer, ants can be a nuisance throughout the year.
Where Ants Thrive:
Ants are attracted to heat and are commonly found in areas such as:
- Building foundations
- Appliances like computers, refrigerators, and microwaves
- Brick paving exposed to sunlight
- Power points for alarm systems, computers, decoders, or internet modems
Their tiny size allows them to enter buildings through small cracks and crevices, and their colonies can quickly become large and difficult to manage.
Problems Caused by Ants:
- Food Scavenging: Ants invade homes in search of food, which they carry back to their nests.
- Structural Damage: They can cause significant damage by hollowing out concrete from the inside, nesting in electrical appliances, gate motors, and swimming pool pumps due to their attraction to heat.
- Paving Issues: Ants nesting under paving can cause the pavers to sink and become uneven.
Effective Ant Treatment:
To effectively eliminate ants, it’s crucial to target the nests and eradicate the queen, as the colony will continue to thrive if the queen remains. The best time for ant treatments is on sunny days when ants are most active.
For professional ant control and to protect your property from these persistent pests, contact us.
TERMITES
Understanding Termite Infestations:
Termites can invade your home from the soil beneath, gaining access through cracks in concrete or seams where plumbing and electrical cords run. They need continuous access to soil to thrive and stay healthy.
How Termite Damage Occurs:
Termite damage develops gradually, often taking months to become significant. Detecting termite damage can be challenging since infested wood may appear normal on the outside. Unlike ants or other visible insects, termites do not roam openly. Instead, they tunnel directly into wood from the soil or use “mud tubes” made from soil, wood particles, and other materials to travel.
Prevention and Treatment:
To prevent termites from causing structural damage, it’s advisable to apply a protective chemical treatment to the soil before building your home. This creates a barrier that helps safeguard your property from future infestations.
For more information on effective termite treatments and prevention, contact our experts.
