Seasonal dread plagues homeowners across the land, but in particular, Reston’s beautifully landscaped garden communities from Lake Anne Village Center to the tree-lined streets of North Point Village. Not only do flowers bloom and grass flourish during the summer, but the season also brings a significant increase in pest activity that can turn from mild irritation to an overwhelming infestation in the blink of an eye.
These ants march across perfectly manicured gardens, squeeze under patio doors, and form hives in the most annoying locations. Virginia summers can create ideal conditions for ants to thrive, breed, and become more aggressive in their search for food and water. But if they do not go away, or the ant trails keep coming back, even with your best efforts, sometimes it is time to turn to the best pest control in Reston expert, not just for help but for the sake of your home and garden.
Increase of Ant Infestations In Summer In Reston Gardens
As summer warms our garden communities in Reston, ant activity has predictably increased, typical of this time of year, with many ant trails resembling day and night interstate highways. Virginia has a hot, humid climate, which helps the growth of many ant species. The very wet spring and summer days typical of Northern Virginia are likely to see increased activity. Pest control data shows that Reston receives 40% more service calls for ants over the summer months than in the winter, and peak activity happens between June and August.
Reston is especially vulnerable because of its landscape. Virginia boasts around 250 types of ants, many of which do well in the suburban garden setting. The moisture from your sprinkler systems and the organic matter from the well-maintained gardens entice these hard-to-kill bugs. Also, the density of townhomes and single-family residences in Reston means that once ants take root in one place, they can quickly migrate to adjacent properties via common landscaping and garden borders.
Tips to Keep Your Garden Ant-free
- Remove sources of moisture – Repair the sprinkler heads that leak, hold the water away properly from the back garden bedding, and stop watering just as much as possible. During the dry summer months in Reston, ants are attracted to static water sources.
- Eliminate food temptations – Pick up fallen fruit promptly, bring pet food inside after each meal, and keep garbage bags tightly closed. Even the tiniest morsel can draw entire colonies onto your premises.
- Cut vegetation out from around your house – Keep shrubs, tree limbs, and garden plants no less than 12 inches from your home’s exterior to prevent ants from entering directly.
- Garden maintenance – Dead plant material is minimally removed, organic debris is raked, and mulch layers are kept thin. The nesting environment is thick, composting organic matter.
- Keep an Eye Out for Ant Trails Early – Look for scout ants and follow their trails to discover entry points before entire colonies take root. Reston’s interconnected neighborhoods can help prevent problems before they spread.
Do You Need Professional Assistance?
Although DIY works for other small groups, continuing infestations in Reston garden communities regularly need professional intervention. By some estimates, a colony can be made up of over 300,000 ants, making it nearly impossible to remove the pest with store-bought products completely. When you see multiple trails of ants, have repetitive ant infestations after treatment attempts, or property damage from carpenter ants, professional pest control is required.
Green Pest Services knows the challenges garden communities in Reston face. They know that from Hunters Woods to South Lakes, the environmental factors are different and can play a role in how and where ant colonies choose to thrive. An expert can identify what type of ant you are dealing with, find where hidden colony nests may be, and create a treatment plan for both immediate infestation and future prevention. Moreover, they are aware of the local regulations and environmental concerns when it comes to residents of Reston who want to enjoy a pest-free environment while also being considerate of nature.