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Where There’s One Ant, There’s 100 More

How communication leads to an infestation

Is every ant you see in your home a sign of an infestation?If you see even one ant in your San Antonio area home, the reality is that there are probably hundreds more that you haven’t spotted yet. Fortunately, scouting ants are the first to enter a new dwelling, so you do have the opportunity to prevent a major infestation by contacting a professional pest control company at the first sign of an issue.

Do Ants Talk?

Research indicates that ants begin communicating with each other from the late pupae stage, and it’s an imperative aspect of community safety. As soon as each ant matures enough to develop a hardened exoskeleton, they’re able to make noises by using one of their hind legs to strike a spike located on their abdomen. The most interesting aspect of this form of communication is that entomologists believe it’s used primarily to receive assistance during an emergency. For example, if an ant encounters a predator, it can make noises that act as an emergency beacon to capture the attention of other colony members. Therefore, if a swarm of ants suddenly appears when you try to kill a couple of colony members, the newcomers are reacting to a distress call that was enacted by your original targets.

Other Communication Methods

Obtaining a reliable source of food and water is just as important in the ant world as it is for humans, and scouts are able to leave trails to these resources within your home. The primary method for marking a trail is to leave a specific type of pheromone that other colony members can follow. Interestingly, ants have a diverse mixture of pheromones, and they can use them to determine each other’s social status and which nest they belong to. This communication method is important for humans to understand because it will have a major impact on whether ants in your local area decide to turn your home into their favorite restaurant. The best way to avoid this problem is to seal up any possible entry points and keep your floors and counters free of crumbs. After all, if your home doesn’t provide a good source of nourishment, scout ants will be less likely to make a trail that leads into your kitchen.

Dealing With an Ant Problem

If you have ants in your San Antonio home or business, you can receive professional assistance from ABC Home & Commercial Services by calling (210) 599-9500. Our experienced pest control specialists can take care of the infestation and help you determine the main entry points in your house so that you can prevent the problem from occurring again. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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