Professional solutions against ant infestations
Discover how therlo not only eliminates ant infestations but also analyses causes such as moisture to sustainably protect your building.
Analysis of the causes of ant infestation
Safe & sustainable disposal
Prevention of Building Damage
Ant Infestation as an Indicator of Building Problems
Analysis of Entry Points
Inspection for moisture damage
Identification of Risk Areas
Protection of Building Fabric
Ants in the House: A Often Underestimated Risk
An ant infestation in the house is more than just an aesthetic problem. While many species may seem harmless, they can be indicators of more serious, hidden defects. Ants are often attracted by moisture resulting from leaking pipes, construction defects, or inadequate sealing. This moisture not only favours ants, but also promotes mould formation and can compromise the building structure. therlo therefore takes a holistic approach to ant infestations. We not only tackle the symptoms but also analyse the causes to protect your property from consequential damage such as wood rot or hygiene issues caused by pharaoh ants, ensuring a healthy living environment.
Our Services
Professional assistance with ant infestation
Case analysis
Precise identification of the ant species and the extent of the infestation.
Finding the cause
Localization of moisture sources and structural defects.
Nest detection
Use of modern technology for precise nest location.
Safe Removal
Child- and pet-safe methods for eliminating the colony.
Wood protection
Measures against wood-destroying ants and their damage.
Hygiene concepts
Elimination of hygiene pests such as the Pharaoh ant.
Barrier Construction
Professional sealing of entry points for prevention.
Moisture Check
Inspection and elimination of moisture as the main cause.
Long-term prevention
Development of a customised concept for long-term protection.
From analysis to sustainable prevention – we protect your building.
Act now, before
Small pests cause significant damage.
The most common ant species and their dangers
Identifying the ant species is crucial for effective and safe control. The common black garden ant (Lasius niger) is usually searching for food and often nests outdoors. The Pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis), however, poses more of a problem, as it can transmit pathogens, making it a hygiene pest and a risk particularly in hospitals or for households with young children. The carpenter ant (e.g., Lasius fuliginosus), on the other hand, can cause significant damage to structural elements, as it nests in damp, already damaged wood. Our experts accurately identify the respective species to correctly assess health and building risks and to implement targeted measures.
Investigation: Why are ants settling in your area?
Ants primarily seek three things: food, water, and a sheltered nesting site. Uncovered food and sugar residues are obvious attractants. However, structural weaknesses are far more critical. Tiny cracks in the masonry, leaky window or door frames, and joints in damp areas like the bathroom or kitchen serve as ideal entry points. Especially damp spots caused by leaks or condensation irresistibly attract ants and provide perfect conditions for nest establishment. A professional analysis by therlo uncovers these hidden causes, as only by eliminating them can a recurrence be prevented in the long term.
The Ant Trail: How to Effectively Disrupt Their Paths
An ant trail is a clear sign of an organised infestation. The ants follow scent trails (pheromones) that lead from the food source to the nest. Simply wiping away the ants is not sufficient, as the scent trail remains. To temporarily disrupt the trail, you can thoroughly clean the affected area with a mixture of vinegar and water, which neutralises the pheromone trail. However, in the long term, it is crucial to locate and eliminate the source – the nest itself. Observe the direction of the ants to gain clues about the nest's location, which is often found in wall cavities, under floorboards, or near sources of moisture.
The Ant Nest in the House: Strategies for Locating It
The heart of any ant infestation is the nest. As long as it is active, the problem will persist. Locating it requires patience and a systematic approach. Follow the ant trails, especially in the mornings or evenings when activity is highest. Look out for small piles of fine sawdust or earth particles at skirting boards, in corners, or on window sills – these are signs of nest building. Listen to the walls; in severe infestations, a faint rustling may be heard. Pay particular attention to damp areas, cavities behind claddings, and the insulation of hot water pipes. A professional inspection with technical equipment such as endoscopes can be crucial in this regard.
Step 1
Analysis & Consultation
Step 2
Proper Disposal
Step 3
Root Cause Analysis & Prevention
Professional Treatment vs. Home Remedies: A Consideration
Home remedies like baking soda or chalk often have only limited and short-term effects. They usually act only as a barrier, but do not eliminate the nest and the queen. Over-the-counter bait boxes can help with smaller infestations, but are often ineffective against stubborn species or large colonies. Additionally, the improper use of insecticides poses risks to children, pets, and the environment. A professional pest controller accurately analyses the situation, selects a species-specific, safe, and highly effective method, and above all, gets to the root of the problem – such as any structural damage or moisture nests, which therlo can competently repair afterwards.
Sustainable and animal-friendly methods for ant control
For parents and pet owners, safety is of the utmost importance. Professional ant control doesn't necessarily mean the use of aggressive chemicals. Modern methods rely on strategically placed gel baits, which are carried into the nest by worker ants and work selectively there without impacting indoor air quality. Physical barriers at entry points or the use of diatomaceous earth at strategic locations can also be part of a sustainable approach. The focus is on addressing the root cause, such as sealing entry points and eliminating sources of moisture. therlo advises you on methods that ensure maximum effectiveness with minimal impact on people, animals, and the environment.
Prevention: How to Effectively Prevent an Ant Infestation
Prevention is the most effective protection against ants. Start by eliminating food sources: Store food in tightly sealed containers and regularly clean floors and work surfaces. Dispose of waste promptly. However, the crucial step is structural prevention. Seal cracks, gaps, and joints in masonry, around windows, and doors. Ensure good ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture. Regularly check the basement and attic for leaks. A professional building inspection by therlo identifies potential weaknesses before they are understood by pests as an invitation.
Are ants in the house always a sign of dampness?
An infestation of wood-destroying ants is a serious warning signal for the condition of your property. These insects prefer to nest in wood that has already been weakened by moisture or fungus. Their presence thus indicates an underlying problem such as a leak, inadequate insulation, or rising damp. If this warning is ignored, the ants can significantly damage the structural integrity of wooden beams, roof trusses, or timber-framed structures. Therlo offers a unique combination of pest control and building renovation. We not only eliminate the ants but also use state-of-the-art diagnostics to find the source of moisture and sustainably repair the building damage.