Ants
About
What are ants?
Ants have a complex social structure and are found living and working together in large colonies. Ants can be identified by their three distinct body regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. They are also equipped with antennae. The reproductive members of the colony are the only members that are winged. Depending on their specific species, ants can range from small to large in size. They exist in a variety of colors and color combinations.
Ants are common household invaders, and are difficult to completely eliminate from homes and properties without professional help.
Some of the most common species found creating problems for property owners in Texas include:
Carpenter ants
These destructive ants cause significant structural damage when nesting inside homes and other buildings.
Odorous house ants
A small species of ant, these pests when crushed emit a foul smell similar to that of a rotting coconut.
Fire ants
Aggressive in nature, fire ants will bite and sting anything they view as a threat.
Are ants dangerous?
Most ant species that you come across are nuisance pests and pose no threat to people or property.
Odorous house ants are one example of nuisance ants. While unpleasant to smell and deal with, they aren’t a danger to you, your home, or your family.
Fire ants, on the other hand, are a dangerous species of ant. They are aggressive and attack in large numbers. Delivering painful bites and venom-filled stings, fire ants pose significant danger to people and pets.
Carpenter ants are also considered dangerous. While they pose no threat to people, they pose significant danger to property. Carpenter ants are attracted to water-damaged wood. They are often found tunneling through and nesting inside homes' structural wood. Over time, they can cause significant structural damage that can become costly to repair.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Ants are attracted to properties that offer what they need to live: food, water, and shelter. Clogged gutters, leaky outdoor fixtures, open garbage can, gardens, wood piles, animal feed, compost piles, and outdoor eating areas are all excellent sources of these basic needs.
Once on your property, ants tend to find their way inside homes through cracks and crevices in exterior walls while out foraging for food. Ants also make their way into homes while seeking refuge when the weather outside becomes too hot, dry, or wet.
Where will I find ants?
Ants nest outside underneath soil and mulch, in piles of wood, in cracks in pavement and sidewalks, along fence lines, in garden areas, under fallen trees, under landscaping ties, or inside tree stumps. Fire ants prefer to nest in open, sunny areas, avoiding shaded or wooded areas. Carpenter ants prefer to take up residence inside wood that has been previously damaged by water or that is decaying.
Ants that make their way inside homes and other buildings may decide to stay and create a satellite nest close to their newly-found food sources. Ants often nest underneath floors, inside insulation, in crawl spaces, behind walls, behind appliances and heating systems. Carpenter ants also excavate and nest inside structural wood.
How do I get rid of ants?
The easiest and fastest way to control ant populations is with the assistance of a trained professional. At Pest-Pro Services, Inc., the first step we take to get rid of ants is to provide a free inspection and estimate. Our dedicated technicians then provide the year-round services and maintenance visits needed to rid your home and property of any ants that are present .
Pest-Pro Services, Inc. is committed to using advanced products to eliminate ants, and prevent their return through our guaranteed pest control services. To learn more about eliminating invasive and potentially dangerous ants from home in Gilmer, Longview, or Texarkana or elsewhere in our Texas and Arkansas service area, contact Pest-Pro Services, Inc.
How can I prevent ants in the future?
In combination with professional pest control services from Pest-Pro Services, Inc., there are a few steps you can take to make your Texas home or business less attractive to ants:
- Inspect the exterior of your home, foundation, siding, windows, doors, and areas where utilities are entering your home from outdoors. Repair any gaps you may find.
- Repair any leaky outdoor or indoor faucets, fixtures, and pipes found inside or outside your home.
- Remove structural wood from your home that has been damaged by water.
- Make sure that outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting or locking lids on them.
- Trim trees, bushes, and other landscaping around the outside of your home.
- Place a stone or crushed rock barrier between any mulch or grass and the foundation of your home.
- Keep outdoor eating and grill areas as clean as possible.