f : BD Wwe ND INSECTUS ICRRIBILUS Pee INSECTUS HORRIBILUS Ants Marching OneByOne Into Homes (NAPSA)—If ants are marching onebyone into your home, you are not alone. More than 20 different vari eties of ants are known to take refuge in homes, schools and busi nesses. There are more than 700 species of ants in the U.S. and about two dozen types are consid ered pests. They include: Odorous house ants, which commonly nest in basements, crawlspaces and adjacent struc tures. The ant gives off a pungent odor when crushed, which is the source of its name. e The pavementant is found on both the East and West coasts and is aptly namedfor its habit of nesting under pavement. Native to Argentina, fire ants, an invasive, predatory species, gained their bad reputa tion by instantly attacking any animal or human unfortunate enough to stumble upon their moundtype nest. Carpenter ants are another aggressive species of ant found across the country. These wooddestroying insects hollow out wood for nesting, causing costly property damage. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), ants are the number one pest problem for which homeowners rely on professional advice and solutions. The NPMAoffers the following preventative measures for keeping ants out of the home: e Seal cracks and crevices around foundations that allow entry from the outside as well as cracks and crevices inside the home. e Store sugar, syrup, honey and other sweets in closed con tainers and wipe the outside of the containers to eliminate any sticky residue. Determined ants maytravel long distances for food and infest even the cleanest of homes, making prevention key in warding off an infestation. Dispose of trash regularly to prevent ants from becoming a problem indoors. Thoroughly clean up grease and spills. Inspect potted plants inside the homefor signs of nesting and remove the plants at the first sign of an infestation. e Rinse out empty softdrink containers and store them away from the home. Reduce moisture in and around structures that may be attractive to ants by repairing leaking hose bibs and other supply lines, downspouts, drain lines and air conditioner condensatelines. By following these simple tips, you can avoid a larger problem down the road. If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem. To learn more, visit www.pestworld.org.
