How do ants get inside my kitchen?
Ants can fit through the smallest cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows or spaces under doors. Even a tiny opening is enough for a scout to find food.
Are fire ant mounds dangerous to pets?
Yes. Fire ants are very aggressive and will swarm any animal that steps on their mound. This can lead to multiple stings and allergic reactions in dogs or cats.
Can ants cause structural damage to my house?
Carpenter ants can damage wood by tunneling through it to build nests. Unlike termites, they do not eat the wood but can still weaken your home over time.
Why are ants so common in Charleston homes?
Our high humidity and sandy soil provide the perfect environment for many ant species. They often enter homes searching for water or food during the extreme heat of the summer.
Why is professional treatment more effective than DIY candles or coils?
While candles and coils provide localized relief in a small area, they do not address the source of the problem. Professional treatments target the resting and breeding sites across the entire property to lower the overall population.
How do mosquitoes survive the winter?
Some species survive the winter as eggs that hatch when it gets warm. Others hibernate in protected areas like hollow logs, crawlspaces or basements until the spring thaw.
Can wind affect how many mosquitoes are in my yard?
Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Utilizing outdoor fans on patios or decks can create enough air movement to make it difficult for them to land, providing a natural layer of protection during outdoor activities.
Are all mosquitoes in the Charleston area the same?
There are over 60 species of mosquitoes in South Carolina. Some prefer salt marshes, while others thrive in container water around residential homes. Each species has different hunting patterns and habitats.
Does a tidy yard help reduce mosquito activity?
Yes. Mosquitoes seek out cool, damp areas to rest during the day. Keeping grass mowed, bushes trimmed and leaf litter removed reduces the shaded habitats where they hide from the sun.
Can mosquitoes thrive in dry weather?
While mosquitoes need water to lay eggs, many species are highly resilient. Eggs can remain dormant in dry soil for months, hatching quickly once the area receives rainfall or irrigation.