Ant behavior in spring
Ants become more active in spring due to rising temperatures and increased food availability. As colonies expand, worker ants search for food sources, making kitchens and pantries prime targets. In Birmingham, common home-invading ants include odorous house ants and carpenter ants. Of course, residents can expect to see pavement ants and fire ants outdoors, too.
With warmer temperatures triggering colony growth, early intervention helps keep infestations at bay.
Seal entry points so ants can’t get inside
Ants are opportunistic insects. They make their way through the smallest openings on the outside of the house, including gaps around utility entrances and cracks in the foundation. They also crawl inside using the gaps under doors or torn screens. To prevent an invasion this spring, inspect and seal potential openings and install weather stripping, where appropriate.
Keep your yard picked up
Piles of leaves, fallen tree limbs, rotting stumps, and other yard debris attract ants, particularly carpenter ants. To deter these pests, haul away organic material, trim bushes, and thin overgrown vegetation.
Maintain a clean kitchen
Although we hope you’re pest-proofing efforts keep ants outside; we highly recommend keeping your kitchen spic and span. Regularly wash counters, floors, and other areas where crumbs and spills are likely. Inspect your pantry and wipe up any food debris. Take the trash out regularly, and be sure your outdoor bins do not overflow.
Fix leaks and address moisture that attracts ants
Leaky pipes, condensation, and standing water in the yard create ideal conditions for ants (and other spring pests). To avoid luring ants to your home or yard, we recommend fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, improving ventilation, and clearing clogged gutters.
Why DIY ant control isn’t effective
If it’s too late for prevention and you’re already dealing with ants, hold on just one moment before you head out to the store to buy some ant spray; we’ll explain why this isn’t the best option.
While DIY solutions like sprays and traps can seem like a quick fix, they rarely solve the root issue. Most treatments only kill visible ants, leaving the colony—and the queen—untouched. Some species even relocate when disturbed, making infestations worse. Without professional-grade treatments and expert strategies, ants will keep coming back.
Contact Acre Pest for ant control in Birmingham
If prevention measures have fallen short and ants are crawling inside your home or moving around the exterior, it's time to seek professional assistance. In the Birmingham metro area—including Hoover, Mountain Brook, and Helena—Acre Pest Control offers reliable and effective ant control services. As a locally owned and operated company based in Pelham, our team understands the pest challenges faced by homeowners in the area. Our experienced pest control pros provide top-notch service to keep your home pest-free.
Our comprehensive home pest control plans eliminate and prevent ants, American cockroaches, earwigs, mice, and other common house-infesting pests. Our Acre Quarterly Plan includes quarterly pest control services, interior treatments as needed, exterior treatments, and Acre's Pest-Free Guarantee. Moreover, the Acre Complete Plan adds seasonal mosquito control and fire ant treatments for more extensive protection.
Don't let ants take over your home. Contact Acre Pest Control today at (205) 767-3653 to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward an ant-free environment.
