How Can I Tell if I Have an Ant Infestation?

Homeowners in Wilmington often overlook the early signs of an ant problem. Keep an eye out for these common indicators:

• Visible Ant Trails: Look for lines of ants moving to and from food, water sources, or entry points around your home.
• Small Piles of Dirt or Debris: Ants often leave tiny piles of dirt or sawdust near baseboards, door frames, windows, or wall openings.
• Winged Ants Indoors: Spotting winged ants around windowsills, vents, or light fixtures may signal a mature colony nesting inside your home.
• Rustling Noises in Walls: In quiet moments, you might hear faint rustling sounds from inside walls, especially in areas where ants are nesting.
• Damaged Wood or Soft Spots: Some ant species, like carpenter ants, tunnel through wood and leave behind hollow or weakened areas.
• Frequent Ant Sightings in the Kitchen: Ants are drawn to crumbs, spills, and moisture — if you’re constantly seeing them in the kitchen or pantry, there’s likely a nearby nest.
• Ant Nests Outdoors: Check your yard for ant mounds, especially near your foundation, walkways, or garden areas.