Tips when inspecting for ants

Desiree Straubinger, BCE

Don’t guess! A thorough inspection is the first step in an ant management program. Inspections should be part of every routine service — and not just when customers call you about ants in their kitchen pantries. You must identify structural deficiencies, favorable landscaping or other conditions conducive to ants.

Document everything you see:

• Potential attraction sources: food or moisture sources, improper storage practices, subpar sanitation, honeydew-producing insects, etc.
• Access points: cracks/openings around doors, windows and utility lines; plantings too close to the structure; etc.
• Potential nesting sites: areas with landscape stone, rock walls, downed trees or structural timbers; and piles of compost or other organic debris; etc.

Having this information recorded before an issue arises or an ant-related callback occurs will help you locate the attraction source, potential entry point, and ultimately, the ant trail or nest more quickly.