Successful Ant Control – Key Strategies For Pest Professionals
In this article, we explore why ants can be particularly difficult to control and offer expert advice on how pest controllers can effectively manage infestations while working collaboratively with customers.
Ant control is a major focus for pest professionals during the warmer months, as rising temperatures drive ants to become more active in their search for food and water. With ant season in full swing, pest professionals are navigating another busy period.
A common challenge in ant management is that homeowners often attempt to tackle infestations on their own, usually with little success. This often leads to the need for professional intervention only once the problem has escalated.
In this article, we explore why ants can be particularly difficult to control and offer expert advice on how pest controllers can effectively manage infestations while working collaboratively with customers.
Why are ants difficult to control?
As soon as the weather warms up, ants start to venture out of their nests. In recent years, this has been getting earlier, likely due to climate change, with mild temperatures becoming increasingly common.
In Australia, ants are most active during the warmer months, from late spring through to early autumn. Here are some of the reasons why ants can be challenging to control:
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Ants live in large colonies with multiple queens, workers and larvae. Eliminating just a few ants doesn’t eradicate the entire colony, which can quickly replenish its numbers
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Australia is home to many ant species, each with different behaviours and nesting habitats, requiring specific control strategies for effective management
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Ants build their nests in warm, hard to find places, such as walled cavities, under slabs and in extensions
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They can be located both internally and externally
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They can travel long distances in search of food, making it hard to pinpoint exactly where they’re coming from
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If they aren’t treated immediately, the nests can continue to grow, and some species can develop multiple nests
Customer relationships are key
Early treatment is crucial for effective ant control, but this can be a challenge since pest controllers are often called only after the issue has escalated and DIY treatments have failed. Clear communication and customer education are essential in building strong relationships and ensuring successful, long-term ant management.
Successful ant control begins with building strong customer relationships:
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Build trust and confidence by investing time in developing customer relationships
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Understand the full extent of the problem through open discussion with the homeowner
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Conduct a detailed inspection of the premises
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Showcase your expertise in controlling pests, specifically ants
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Explain the importance of seeking professional help early
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Highlight that certain species, such as Pharoah Ants, are particularly challenging to control, and without the correct management, their populations can grow rapidly
Top tips on controlling ants
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Keep on top of property maintenance and implement high hygiene standards – bins, sugary drinks and food can attract ants
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Tackle ants as soon as possible – smaller nests are much easier to eradicate
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Select the right insecticide or bait for the right species, as different ant species have different palatability
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Avoid sprays as these aren’t targeted and can cause the ants to spread further. This is particularly the case for Pharoah Ants, as stress may ‘push’ infestations into the deep fabric of the building, making direct access to the pest almost impossible
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Baits allow for a more targeted approach, providing better, more efficient, sustainable control
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Maxforce® Quantum controls all main ant species in and around the home. Ants take the bait back to the nest where the active ingredient eliminates the queen, workers and the rest of the nest
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The liquid ant bait is highly palatable and is carried back to the nest by the ants
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Successful control of general ant species can be seen within 7 days
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Most nests are eliminated within 14 days
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Targeted baits will wipe ants out for a season – making them more efficient and cost-effective
Effective ant control is an essential part of any pest management service. By understanding customer needs, conducting thorough inspections, providing prevention advice, and choosing the right treatment, pest managers can achieve lasting results. Strong customer relationships, paired with the right products, allow pest control professionals to meet expectations and provide peace of mind, keeping homes free from ants.
To find out more information, reach out to our team.
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