Don’t get ant-sy about summer pests

At first glance, few insects seem as innocuous as the ant. But what ants lack in size, they certainly make up for in substance.

Ants may be scoping out your home right now as a source of food. By learning how ants behave and recognizing their calling cards, you can successfully prevent ant problems this year. Here are some tips from BASF, manufacturer of two kinds of termiticide/insecticides:

•Inspect the exterior perimeter of the house for signs of ants. Carpenter ants are a big, black, common variety of ant that can enter the house and even cause more structural damage than termites, say experts. Carpenter ants do not actually eat wood but excavate galleries within it to use as nesting sites. Signs of these ants may be frass: wood shavings, bits of soil, and parts of other insects. Other ants may create soil mounds or be seen scurrying along ant trails. Many ants do most foraging at night, so you may find more activity in the evening hours.

•Eliminate food sources. Ants love grease, crumbs, sweets, and other materials that they can scavenge. Rinse out containers before placing them in garbage bags. Clean up spills in and around the house. Routinely clean floors, inside of cabinets, countertops, and even around appliances to get rid of some food sources. Also pick up pets’ water and food bowls when they’re not in use.

•Seal cracks around windows and doors. Ants can fit through even the tiniest of gaps in search of food and water, so make sure you block entry to your house. Also, eliminate hiding spots for ants, such as moving firewood or woodpiles away from the home.

•Remove water sources. Ants need water in addition to food to survive, so do away with extraneous sources of water. Fix plumbing leaks and clean out downspouts to eliminate moisture seepage into the home. Also, check outdoor waterspouts and any drains to make sure they’re functioning properly.

•Learn about ant behavior to beat these pests at their own game. The Ant Institute (AntInstitute.com) is a Web destination for learning about these common household pests. On the site, powerful Web cameras capture close snapshots of ants 24 hours a day, seven days a week, honing in on what it would be like if these pests invaded a typical home. The Web site is also enhanced by facts about ants, opportunities for “asking the expert,” and other useful information for those interested in ant behavior — and how to eradicate the pests. The site’s scientific content is reviewed and managed by expert entomologists.

“Effective ant control begins by understanding the behavior of ants and working with a professional to apply effective solutions,” says Bob Hickman, chief entomologist with the Ant Institute.