Why Mulch and Landscape Beds Can Support Ant Activity

Moisture, Honeydew, and Shelter Matter More Than Mulch Alone

Ant activity is a common occurrence around Keswick homes, but what happens when it becomes more than residents can manage alone? Ants commonly seek areas where shelter, moisture, and honeydew provide the necessary resources for their colonies to thrive. This can lead to the protection of other pests such as aphids as they excrete the sugary substance that ants are drawn to. When a colony becomes flooded or the ground dries out, ants can begin to venture into indoor areas and quickly become an issue for residents to control, and landscaping can contribute to this.

The combination of damp soil, mulch, and nearby resources create ideal living conditions for ant colonies in Keswick. They will nest and breed within these areas, sometimes unnoticed, and farm honeydew-producing insects to maintain their resource levels.

As landscaping grows and pushes against foundational areas, it can create a highway that leads ants into your home. Wet mulch, landscaping timbers, and leaf litter can seem innocent enough while unexpectedly becoming a source of indoor ant and pest pressure. Additionally, older homes can become prime locations for carpenter ants which will excavate damaged wood to build tunnels and nests for their colonies. Further increasing the complications that can come from damp and wet landscaping found around the foundations of homes and outdoor structures. 

How to Landscape Without Creating an Easy Ant Highway

There are a few steps that Keswick residents can take to reduce ant and pressure due to landscaping. Keep mulch at a reasonable depth in order to allow it to properly dry out and reduce retained moisture which encourages ant nesting. Promptly repair leaky irrigation, pipes, and gutters or downspouts. These areas can lead to an increase in damp soil or areas where puddles saturate the ground for extended periods of time. Trim vegetation, bushes, and tree limbs away from the home to reduce sources of ant highways which can lead to your indoor living areas. 

Ensure the areas around your home are free from leaf litter and debris which can trap moisture and cause the foundational areas to deteriorate. Treat and repair damaged wood around the home to discourage carpenter ants from using it for tunnels and nests. Use EPA-registered pest control products to reduce the amount of honeydew-producing insects found within landscaping beds and yard areas at your Keswick home. Before destroying ant trails, take time to inspect where they lead to. This can help you identify the true source in order to make the most informed pest control decision.

When Ants Move From the Landscape to the Structure

If you’re noticing the signs of heightened ant activity, especially within your home, it may be time to take a more targeted approach. Our team at Mosquito Squad Plus is proud to offer comprehensive ant control services to Keswick residents. 

Our team will conduct a property inspection to learn about the property layout, inspect ant activity, and take note of high risk areas around the home. This information allows us to create a tailored plan that is specific to your home and needs. Our Yard Defender offers targeted treatments to reduce and control the ant population. Our team will use liquid and granular treatments to create a barrier of defense, along with ant mound drenching methods as needed. For home defense, we offer our Home Shield package. This ant control plan helps to create a barrier around the perimeter of your home by using exclusion methods and targeted barrier treatments around doorways, windows, and other points of access.

For Reliable Ant and Pest Control in Keswick, VA Near You

Need help reducing ant activity around your Keswick property? Call Mosquito Squad of Charlottesville at (434) 363-9274 or request a free quote online.