For such tiny insects, ants are a huge problem in any home or business. Berkeley County, SC, has a variety of native ant species that commonly invade residences and commercial properties, including black ants, carpenter ants, fire ants and flying ants. These pests carry bacteria, can cause structural damage and leave painful bites on humans and animals. Ledford’s ant exterminator services help you swiftly and thoroughly remove all ants from your property and ensure they don’t return. Contact our Berkeley County, SC pest control company today to get the help you need!
The Exterminators at Ledford’s Pest Control Are Here For You
Ledford’s has provided pest control services in South Carolina for over 40 years. We are the leading ant exterminator in the area. We are also proud to be skilled preventative specialists. Our ant extermination services include residential treatments, seasonal prevention and commercial property maintenance. No matter what type of ants you come across, we can put together a comprehensive plan that not only exterminates them for good but makes sure they never return again.
Ants found in Berkeley County, SC, are generally harmless to humans, but they can quickly grow in numbers resulting in a major infestation. One ant can lay 800 eggs in a single day, so an infestation can take over any property in a single week.
Signs You Have an Ant Infestation
It’s common to see the odd bug here or there, but if ants are appearing in larger numbers, you may have an infestation on your hands. Below are a few signs that you should call an ant exterminator:
- Live ant sightings, especially in kitchens or areas with food.
- Pathways of ants, which they create using pheromones to lead others from the colony to a food source.
- Small piles of dirt that may be a nest.
- Ants disappearing under walls or through cracks, where they may have internal nests.
Because some types of ants prefer to make their homes in dark places, they could crawl into your walls or inside other parts of your home. In this case, sighting them may be more difficult, but live evidence will be enough to know they’re present. The general rule we recommend is to reach out whenever you start to notice the presence of ants in your home or business. Usually, a few out and about are living in close proximity, scouting for food.
Types of Ants We Exterminate in Berkeley County, SC
There are many species of ants common throughout Berkeley County, SC, and our experts are able to exterminate all of them. Some of the most common types of ants you may find on your property include black ants, carpenter ants, fire ants and flying ants. No matter how many or how long they’ve been around, our ant exterminator services can remove them once and for all.
Black Ant Extermination
The most common type of ant is the black ant, which can cause just as much structural damage as termites. They may be small, but these ants live in massive colonies that house thousands of ants. Because of their small size, they can fit virtually anywhere and enter a property through even the tiniest crack or gap in foundation. They are especially drawn toward food that is greasy or sweet, which makes kitchens and pantries common trouble areas.
Carpenter Ant Extermination
Carpenter ants are some of the largest found in Berkeley County, SC. They measure between 6 to 12mm, so you may be taken aback by their size compared to a typical black ant. These insects feed on sweet foods and love honey, jellies, syrups and anything high in sugar. They are also carnivorous, so they may be drawn to a property that has other small bugs for them to consume. For this reason, they often build nests outdoors in soil, dirt piles, roots, gardens and tree trunks.
Fire Ant Extermination
Fire ants are known for their bright flame-like coloring. While they aren’t as common as other types of ants, we do still find cases of them in Berkeley County, SC. They are one of the smallest insects in the world, but they live and travel in large packs. They are bright red and orange in color, and they have a unique behavior of attacking humans. A group of fire ants may suddenly crawl on you or someone else and leave painful stinging bites. These can lead to allergic reactions that require medical treatment.
Flying Ant Extermination
Although they tend to stay grounded, flying ants do have wings that can make them airborne. The flying ants are reproductive members of their colonies, so when they take flight, their goal is to find another ant to mate with. Though they aren’t any more of a threat than their ground-dwelling cousins, flying ants are a scary sight that can frighten customers and leave homeowners distraught. Though they don’t tend to infest indoors, they can cause a serious problem in your yard.
How Much Does an Ant Exterminator Cost In Berkeley County, SC?
Hiring an ant exterminator does not come with a set price because the treatment needed will vary. At Ledford’s, we personalize all of our pest control plans to ensure they meet the needs of our customers. We’ll look at factors such as the size of your home or business, the type of ant you’re dealing with, the severity of the infestation and the treatment method you choose to calculate the cost of your ant extermination services.
Dangers Of DIY Ant Extermination
You might think it’s easier and more affordable to use DIY pest control, but this tends to backfire for several reasons. There are two main types of DIY ant extermination: baits and sprays. Baits act as a mock food source, which ants then bring back to the colony. If they work, they poison other ants as well, but there is no guarantee that your bait will be strong enough or eliminate every ant on your property.
Sprays only kill the ants that walk through it. Even if trace amounts make it back to their nest, they likely won’t eliminate an entire colony. The pesticides found in both ant bait and spray is toxic to humans and animals, which poses a threat to children and pets. Killing ants that are present now may buy temporary relief, but they are likely to return if you do not get to the source of the problem.
Hiring a professional ant exterminator in Berkeley County, SC, brings you the best results with a guarantee. Our experts are happy to provide advice on how to best protect your property from ants and other pests.
Get Help From The Best Ant Exterminator Experts in Berkeley County, SC
While there are several types of ants you may find yourself facing, Ledford’s can treat all of them. Our ant exterminator services for homes and commercial properties include non-toxic options as well as preventative measures for ongoing protection. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book an appointment with one of our specialists.