ANT IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION
A colony is composed of the queen, female workers, and males. The workers lack wings, whereas the queen and males do. Only the queen ant is capable of reproducing. The job of the male ant is to mate with future queen ants, and they do not live afterwards. The queen spends her entire adulthood laying eggs once mature. A colony may have one or several queens, depending on the species.
Different Types of Ants
Bigheaded ants are an invasive soil-nesting ant species with colors ranging from yellow to dark reddish-brown that nest outdoors under patios, stones, logs, sidewalks, etc.
Carpenter ants are large ants that make nests in dead, damp wood by chewing out galleries with their mandibles. Unlike termites, however, they do not eat wood.
The genus Solenopsis contains more than 200 species of ants, including fire ants. Solenopsis ants are stinging ants, as evidenced by their common names, such as ginger ants and tropical fire ants.
Tapinoma melanocephalum, also known as the ghost ant, is an ant species. Their dark head, pale or translucent legs, and gaster distinguish them. This ant’s coloring makes it appear even smaller.
Tetramorium immigrans, also called sugar ants in some parts of North America, are European natives that have become pests in the United States. In North America, colonies of this ant are commonly found nesting under pavement, hence the common name.
The Argentine ant, previously known as Iridomyrmex humilis, is a species of ant found in northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and southern Brazil.
Best Way to Control Ants
Keep Your House Clean
Ants eat sugar, protein, and whatever else they can get their hands on. A colony will usually send out a few ants to scout. They’ll return to the colony with a sample of any food they find, and hundreds will follow them back into the house. Sugary liquids are particularly appealing to them.
Clean up spills quickly, especially honey, maple syrup, and soda, to prevent scouts from returning with their friends in tow. Also, keep everything in airtight containers.
Eliminate Damp Spots and Rotted Wood
Ants will occasionally build satellite colonies inside a home to serve as a resource conduit. Showers, windows, and other damp areas are preferred.
Locate and repair any leaks as soon as possible, and replace any water-damaged materials. Unlike termites, which eat both new and old wood, carpenter ants will tunnel through water-damaged wood.
Is there a particular type of water-damaged wood to avoid? A deck. Neglect causes these structures to rot and serve as a red carpet for carpenter ants. Keeping your deck in good shape is the best way to keep ants away.
Set Ant Baits
Ant baits are the most effective way to get rid of an ant infestation. Place them wherever you see ants and prepare for a party. If you’re still seeing ants around the house, try a few different bait brands until you find one that works for this colony.
It kills larvae when scouts track the liquid back to the colony and helps control the population by killing any ants that feed on the sweet, sugary bait syrup.
If you have pets, double-check the packaging and be careful where you put ant baits.
How Are Ants Getting Into My Home?
Exclusion techniques should be used to keep ants out of your home. Ant workers (foragers) enter the house through holes, cracks, and gaps on the outside. Seal any openings in the house where wires, conduit, or pipes enter. Because ants can use branches to “trail” into the house, keep tree limbs pruned so they never overlap or otherwise touch the house. Because ants leave and follow chemical scent trails, removing them with a wet sponge or washcloth can be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to pest control, many people believe it is best to wait until there is a problem before taking action. At this stage, exterminating bugs may be both expensive and inconvenient for you. Because of the savings you’ll save on future treatments as well as the assurance that your house is bug-free, preventive pest control is an excellent investment.
It is common for pest control treatments to include a wide range of products. In order to provide you with the best possible solution, an expert will perform an in-depth assessment of your house. Conventional pesticide treatments are often used in pest management, depending on the specifics of your circumstance.
We recommend contacting our office to get a quote for your specific pest control requirements since the level of infestation and the surrounding environment affect the price.
Free inspections are offered by On-Demand.com. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy that takes into account the specifics of their property, the issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting 954-998-0113.
