Ants can create colonies in various outdoor settings and commonly penetrate properties in search of food or water. If you have an ant problem—especially if they are already setting up house in your walls or other nooks and crannies—it’s important to deal with them swiftly before they multiply out of control!
Like most homeowners, you may have questions about how this process works. One of the most common concerns is what chemicals exterminators use for ants—it’s important to know what these are so that you can feel comfortable with the procedure.
Ants in Your Hometown
In the southern states of South Carolina and Virginia, residents face unique challenges with ant infestations due to the warm and humid climate, which creates an ideal environment for various ant species. Common culprits include Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and the particularly troublesome red imported fire ants.
The red imported fire ant is an invasive species known for its aggressive behavior and painful stings, posing significant health risks. In Virginia, these ants have been spreading rapidly; survey data from 2017 to 2022 indicated their presence in seven counties beyond the existing federal quarantine zone, leading to expansions of the quarantine area in 2019 and 2022.
In South Carolina, fire ants are widespread, often building their nests in sunny areas of properties, and will aggressively defend their mounds when disturbed.
Given these challenges, effective ant control in these regions requires targeted strategies that address the specific behaviors and habitats of these prevalent species.
Boric Acid
One of the most frequently used chemicals in pest control is boric acid. Typically, it disperses as a powder throughout the home. In addition to being used to kill ants, it is also effective against termites and cockroaches. Because of its sweetness, boric acid draws ants. Then when it is digested, it poisons their stomachs. Even better, the ants mistake the boric acid for sugar when they bring it back to their nest, poisoning their species.
Piperonyl Butoxide
Piperonyl butoxide is an additive used to increase the potency of many pesticides, despite not being a poison on its own. Ants’ metabolism is slowed down by piperonyl butoxide, which makes them more vulnerable to poison. There is a good chance that your exterminator will add Piperonyl Butoxide to the mix if they use any of the pesticides mentioned above.
Hydramethylnon
Numerous pests, including ants, crickets, silverfish, and cockroaches, are killed by hydramethylnon slowly but effectively. The ants won’t be instantly killed by hydramethylnon. Instead, it kills them gradually over a few days, allowing the ants plenty of time to transport a large quantity of the chemicals back to their nest. Over time, this will kill many ants, eventually solving your problem entirely.
Fipronil
Since it is less toxic than hydramethylnon, fipronil is a suitable poison. An ant’s nervous system is attacked by fipronil when it comes into contact with an ant. Ants are known to frequent ant nests and entry points, so fipronil is typically placed there. Numerous pests, including ants, beetles, ticks, cockroaches, and fleas, are drawn to the moldy smell of fipronil.
How Exterminators Eliminate Ant Infestations?
When homeowners hire an exterminator to solve pest problems, they must first determine the source of the infestation and find out why it happened. Exterminators must identify the type of ant causing concern before taking any action.
Once they have determined that a problem exists, the next step is to assess it and identify what type of treatment will eliminate the issue.
To offer tailored solutions for their customers, they must collect as much data as possible on each client. For instance, the treatment used to eliminate ant hills and other pests can harm children, pets, and adults; therefore, it’s necessary to consider these concerns before taking action. The exterminator will recommend the safest treatment—one that is both effective and non-poisonous.
Final Thoughts on What Exterminators Use for Ants
Exterminators may use different chemicals to eradicate ants, depending on the situation. Multiple treatments may be needed if a particular ant species have developed an immunity to one of those chemicals.
Contact a professional for advice and assistance if you need help with an ant problem. At Vinx Pest Control, we’ll clean up the ant infestation quickly, efficiently, and safely and ensure that the ants don’t return.