As you read this article, you’ll find information on the attraction of sugar ants to walls, sugar ant habitats, signs of sugar ants in walls, and DIY vs. professional sugar ant control.
Other details include wall types infested by sugar ants, preventive techniques, eliminating sugar ants in walls, and guarding against repeat infestation.
Sugar Ants Inside Walls
Homeowners dealing with sugar ants infestation in walls require urgent and practical solutions. That is precisely what this guide seeks to provide.
The presence of sugar ants in walls can be attributed to openings (cracks & crevices), proximity to a food source, warmth, and shelter.
While in your walls, these ants can cause problems that may lead to steady deterioration.
The Attraction of Sugar Ants to Walls
Homes with the most cases of sugar ant infestation usually have favorable conditions for sugar ants to thrive. It must be said that any home, wherever it’s located, can be infested by these pests as long as there are favorable conditions.
As stated earlier, sugar ants are attracted to food (sugary substances), warmth, shelter, and moisture.
Most walls, especially those with cracks or hollow chambers or sections, will provide ready shelter to these ants. Not only are sugar ants drawn to these conditions, but other ant species may also follow.
In other words, you may be dealing with multiple ant species. The good thing is all species can be eliminated in the same way.
Sugar Ant Habitats
Sugar ants are mostly common around homes. However, you must understand that these come from the outdoors. So, what other habitats do these ants thrive in?
You may find these in forests or woodlands and around urban locations. This helps explain why some areas or regions face reoccurring infestations more than others.
It’s also necessary to note that even in areas not considered habitats, homes in such locations can still be infested by these pests.
Your best bet is to adopt effective preventive strategies, some of which have been discussed below. If you live around areas with sugar ants presence, you may have to locate their colonies before they get into your walls.
Signs of Sugar Ants in Walls
If you suspect sugar ants within your walls, there are things to do to confirm the presence or otherwise of these creatures.
Some of these signs to look out for include visible ant trails or clusters connecting to walls and tiny cracks or openings on walls.
You’ll need to be observant to spot these tiny openings, as they will likely be entry and exit points used.
There aren’t many signs to look out for besides those mentioned.
So, if you’ve noticed an increased sugar ants presence around your home and want to find out where they’re holed up, following their trail to where it ends is the easiest way.
Sometimes, this may end outside, while it may lead to a wall at other times. If you’ve found the wall, the next step is to take action.
DIY Vs. Professional Sugar Ant Control
To tackle sugar ant infestation in walls, there’s a need to choose your approach. This could play a role in the outcome you get.
With increasing knowledge about DIY sugar ant control techniques, more people are trying to handle their pest control needs without involving professionals.
While this may be successful, it can’t be compared with the professional approach.
Pest control services tend to offer more comprehensive solutions to infestation problems. They have trained technicians who understand sugar ant behavior and all the signs to look out for.
They’re also able to determine the severity of the infestation, plus they have all the tools necessary for a thorough inspection. Professional treatments also come with guarantees.
Wall Types Most Infested by Sugar Ants
Are there specific wall types most infested by sugar ants?
The answer depends on the kind of walls you have. Most times, hollow walls and those with cracks & crevices may offer suitable nesting sites for sugar ants.
They’re also common around bathroom walls and interior and exterior walls. Sugar ants may also be found in RV walls.
Whatever type(s) of wall you have, curbing sugar ants infestations is vital. This serves to free your walls from their activity.
Now, you must understand that the appearance or presence of sugar ants in your walls is only an effect. You also need to focus on the cause, which requires looking at the factors attracting these ants to your walls.
Preventive Techniques
Simple techniques, such as regular trash disposal, can prevent sugar ants.
This shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate. You can also prevent sugar ants’ presence in your walls by caulking all openings, cracks, & crevices on walls, no matter how small.
Beverage spills and dropped food crumbs around walls and elsewhere must be wiped and cleaned immediately.
Whenever sugar ant nests are noticed around your yard, they must be destroyed immediately to prevent eventual encroachment into your home or walls.
If your home has a moisture problem, this should be fixed immediately to eliminate favorable conditions encouraging ant presence. Are there open food sources nearby?
Eliminate them to keep your home free of these ants.
Ridding Your Walls of Sugar Ants
You must implement effective treatment techniques to free your walls of sugar ants. Several of these include the sprinkling of food-grade diatomaceous earth and the use of ant baits.
Ant baits serve to poison these ants wherever they may be hiding. The best part is it works slowly and eventually kills all other members of an ant colony.
Other ways to rid your walls of sugar ants include using liquid sprays. Several of these include Raid, Hot Shot, Delta Dust, and Advance.
All come with use instructions on how to apply. Natural remedies can also be used for a sugar ant infestation in walls. Examples of these remedies include essential oils, white vinegar, and peppermint.
Getting rid of sugar ants in walls can be achieved using any of the strategies mentioned. Hiring a pro is the most comprehensive way to get the job done.
Professional pest control services offer various pest treatments and can repeat treatments when results aren’t satisfactory.