Colorado has experienced a recent increase in ant activity in the past few years. This is especially true during the warmer summer months. Homeowners are worried about the health risks associated with ant infestations within the residential areas.
Various factors contribute to increasing ant activity, including climate change. It is important to understand the changing patterns and the reasons behind them to eradicate these pests. Effective Saela Pest control is also essential to avoid an infestation at the right time.
Today’s blog will explore the various factors that contribute to increasing ant activity in Colorado and tips to prevent infestations.
Factors that lead to increased ant activity in Colorado
- Climate change.
Ants thrive during the summer months and in hot and humid environments. The rising temperatures in Colorado make the perfect condition for ants. Ants are ectothermic organisms, meaning the surrounding environment regulates their metabolic processes.
As the weather becomes warmer, ants look for food and build their nests more effectively. Therefore, you are more likely to see these critters in the house on hot days. The climate change has also resulted in the elongation of the summer months. Longer summers allow ants more time to forage food.
- Urban developments.
Colorado has undergone rapid urban development, which has caused the natural habitats that serve as a barrier to ant colonization to be destroyed. Humans build roads, buildings, and other infrastructure over ants’ natural habitats; ants are forced to move away. Eventually, ants adapt to new surroundings and make human homes and offices their own place.
- Changes in local ecosystems.
Ants have natural predators that control their population. Changes in the local ecosystems led to the decline in these natural predators, increasing the ant population. Moreover, humans are responsible for affecting the availability of the natural items that ants feed on. Due to these changes, ants are forced to look for new sources of food, which leads them to your home.
- Human activities.
The rise of outdoor activities in Colorado involving food, such as picnics and barbecues, is responsible for attracting ants to urban areas. Whenever you have a picnic, the food crumbs and spills can attract hundreds of ants. Moreover, failing to store food properly or leaving containers open serves as an invitation for ants and other pests.
Improper waste management is also a factor. After an event takes place, some people do not clean up the place or dispose of the garbage properly. Sometimes, public waste bins are full and overflow with uncovered garbage. All of these factors contribute to increased ant activity.
- Ant species evolution.
Some ant species have been shown to have evolved behavioral characteristics. These may include changes in foraging strategies, nesting preferences, and reproductive timing. For example, some ant species have evolved and now can survive in areas with fluctuating temperatures. This was not possible a few years ago.
Preventative measures to control ant activity
Every homeowner should learn a few tips and tricks to control ant activity. Taking proactive measures can help control the ant population and avoid infestations. Here are some tips homeowners can apply:
- Store your food and drinks in airtight containers to avoid attracting ants.
- Regularly inspect your home for the tiniest cracks or gaps through which ants can enter.
- Maintain clean outdoor spaces, such as a maintained lawn, properly covered garbage bin, etc.
While these measures will work to prevent ants from entering your property, they will not help if they are already inside your house and forming an infestation. So, in such situations, it is best to call professional pest control services.
Hire pest control today!
Professionals have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify pests and then decide the best treatment plan. By assessing the extent of the infestation, they implement the target treatments accordingly. If you suspect you have an ant infestation, hire a pest control team today!
