To help you determine whether you need to call Regional Pest Management to control an ant problem, please consider the following questions:

1. How long have you noticed the problem?

A long history of activity indicates a colony located in the structure. In northern regions, activity indoors during colder weather is strong evidence that a colony is located in the structure.

2. How many ants do you see?

Seeing many ants frequently indicates an indoor colony. If you see them only occasionally, they may be random foragers coming in form the outside.

3. Where are they seen most often?

This will provide a clue to where they are foraging and nesting.

4. Have you seen any small piles that look like sawdust?

These piles, call "frass piles," are usually located close to nest sites

5. Have you had any water leaks or noticed any rotting wood ? If so where?

They often nest in moist or rotting wood. You should inspect these areas first. They prefer to nest in moist environments.

6. Have you conducted inspections in the evening or early morning.?

Ants are more active at night, so you're more likely to observe foraging activity and find the nest.

7. Have you inspected any "lines" around your house or building?

Foraging ants like to travel on fence lines, phone lines, roof lines, railings, as well as driveway / sidewalk borders and edges.

8. Have you knocked on wood near suspected nest sites?

Look and listen for activity. Carpenter ants sound like crinkling cellophane.

9. Have you checked frass piles for materials such as wood, insulation, plastic, etc.?

Frass material will help indicate specific nest locations.

10. Have you checked for plastic vapor barriers under mulch beds?

Ants love to trail or nest under the plastic film.

11. Have you followed foraging ants carrying the food particles?

They're heading back to the nest. Place food in the ants' path, then follow them back to their nests.

12. Have you checked the weather conditions during any inspections?

They rarely forage if temperatures are below 55 degrees F.

13. Have you inspected trees and dead wood around your house or establishment?

Ants tend to nest in tree holes and dead wood on the ground. Also look for tree branches, shrubs and vines against the buildings.