Summer in Houston brings warm weather and outdoor fun, but it also means homeowners need to be prepared for an increase in ant activity. Ant infestations can be especially concerning for families with children and pets, as these pests may contaminate food and create discomfort around the home. Understanding why ants become more active during the hot summer months and what attracts them to homes in Houston can help you manage and reduce the risk of infestations.
If ants have already made their way into your home, it is important to act quickly. Contact Hartz Pest Control for professional solutions tailored to your needs. Our ant control services are built to address Houston’s unique pest challenges.
Why Are Ants More Active During Houston Summers?
The climate in Houston plays a significant role in increasing ant activity during summer. Ants are cold-blooded insects, which means their activity level is closely tied to the temperature around them. When temperatures rise, ants become more active and increase their foraging and nesting behavior. Houston’s summers are characterized by:
- High temperatures that accelerate ant metabolism and colony growth
- Increased humidity that helps ants stay hydrated and supports colony expansion
- Frequent rainstorms that may flood outdoor nests, driving ants indoors in search of dry shelter
When outdoor conditions change rapidly, such as heavy rains or soil disturbance, ants may relocate their nests closer to or inside homes. This migration often increases the chances of homeowners noticing ants indoors.
Additionally, ants are opportunistic feeders. During summer, the abundance of outdoor food sources like picnic leftovers, fallen fruits, and sugary drinks attracts ants to yards and patios. Once ants discover these food sources, they establish trails leading into homes where food and water are available year-round.
Common Ant Species Houston Homeowners Should Know
Identifying the type of ants invading your home can be helpful when deciding on control methods. Some species are more likely to enter homes during summer, each with different behaviors and nesting preferences:
- Argentine Ants: Small, light to dark brown ants that form large, cooperative colonies. They prefer sweet foods but will eat proteins too. They often nest outdoors but establish satellite nests indoors, making control challenging.
- Fire Ants: Known for their reddish color and painful sting, fire ants build large mounds outdoors. Heavy rains often cause these colonies to flood, forcing them to seek shelter inside homes or structures temporarily.
- Odorous House Ants: These ants emit a distinct odor when crushed and prefer moist areas inside homes. They are attracted to sugary substances and tend to build nests near water sources like leaks or damp wood.
- Carpenter Ants: Larger than other common ants, carpenter ants do not consume wood but hollow it out to create nests. They are often found in moist or decayed wood and can eventually cause structural damage if left untreated.
Knowing which ants are present in your home or yard can help us provide the most effective treatment plan. Our technicians are trained to identify pest species common in Houston and tailor solutions accordingly.
How to Minimize Ant Problems Around Your Home
While ants are difficult to eliminate entirely without professional help, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of infestation during summer months. These preventive measures focus on removing conditions that attract ants and block their entry points. Here are key practices recommended for Houston homes:
Store Food Properly and Clean Up Immediately. Ants are attracted to food sources, especially sugary and greasy residues. Keep pantry items sealed in airtight containers and clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and dining areas promptly after meals. Avoid leaving pet food out for extended periods.
Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Home’s Exterior. Ants can enter through very small openings. Regularly inspect the foundation, window frames, door thresholds, and utility entry points. Use appropriate sealants or weatherstripping to close any gaps you find.
Manage Moisture Both Inside and Outside. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and standing water near your home create ideal conditions for ants. Repair plumbing leaks, keep gutters clear, and ensure proper drainage away from the foundation to minimize moisture buildup.
Keep Landscaping Away from the House. Trim tree branches and shrubs that touch or overhang your roof or siding. Avoid piling mulch, wood, or debris next to your home as these can serve as nesting sites or bridges for ants to enter.
Maintain Regular Trash Removal Practices. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly to prevent attracting ants with food odors.
Implementing these steps helps reduce the factors that invite ants into your home. However, due to Houston’s climate and the persistence of some ant species, prevention alone may not fully stop infestations.
When Professional Ant Control Makes Sense
If you notice persistent ant trails inside your home, mounds near your foundation, or signs of nesting, professional intervention can help manage the problem more effectively. While over-the-counter treatments can provide temporary relief, they often do not address the entire colony or nest structure, leading to re-infestation.
Hartz Pest Control offers comprehensive ant control services specifically designed for Houston homeowners. Our experienced technicians evaluate your home’s unique conditions and the ant species involved, then apply targeted treatments that minimize disruption to your family and pets. Our professional pest control includes:
- Inspecting both indoor and outdoor areas for signs of infestation
- Identifying species to select appropriate treatment methods
- Applying treatments safely and effectively to eliminate colonies
- Advising on ongoing prevention to reduce future risks
Acting promptly when you spot ant activity can help protect your home from larger infestations and the potential inconvenience ants cause.
Don’t let ants take over your summer. Reach out to us today for a thorough evaluation and expert ant control solutions. You can fill out our online contact form or call (713) 999-6817 to schedule a consultation.