When Ants Come Marching Indoors, Take Action

National Pest Management Association offers tips for preventing ant infestations
FAIRFAX, Va.--(Business Wire)--
In their natural habitats, ants do not typically bother people. But when ants
infest homes they can quickly become a nuisance, and more importantly, pose
serious risks to residents` health and property. The National Pest Management
Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners to take proactive steps to eliminate ants
at their first appearance to reduce the potential development of a major
infestation.

"Ants pose various risks to a family`s health and home, depending on the species
of ant infesting the property," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public
affairs for NPMA. "The most common health issue associated with ant infestations
is food contamination by odorous and non-odorous ants and pavement ants.
Carpenter ants, on the other hand, can cause severe property damage as they
tunnel through wood to build nests. And fire ants, found in the Southern U.S.,
attack with a painful sting when their nests are disturbed."

Ants are social insects that live in large colonies, so what may seem like a
small infestation can quickly become a major pest problem for homeowners. One of
the first steps to take to eliminate an ant infestation is to identify the
species, but with more than 700 species in the United States, this can be a
challenge for someone without proper training. Working with a pest professional
to help identify and treat an ant problem is an important step to minimizing the
health and property risks associated with these pests.

NPMA offers the following tips to homeowners to prevent ant infestations:

* Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water near a home
* Keep food in sealed containers
* Dispose of garbage regularly
* Keep pet food and water dishes clean and remove any spilled food
* Seal cracks and holes around a home
* If you have an ant infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to
inspect and treat the pest problem.

For more information on ants or to find a local pest professional, visit:
www.pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the
protection of public health, food and property.

National Pest Management Association
Missy Henriksen, 703-352-6762
or
Vault Communications
Meg Kane, 610-455-2746
mkane@vaultcommunications.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009