Ant Identification & Prevention
What Are Ants?
There are more than 700 different species of ants that can be found living throughout the United States. While not all of them pose a threat to us and our homes and businesses, there are many that do. Ants are small, social insects that live together in large groups; these pests vary in size and color and size, depending on their exact species, but they typically range in color from reddish-brown or black to yellow in color, and sometimes a combination of different colors. Ants have three distinct body parts in the form of a head, thorax, and abdomen and have a pair of bent antennae. Ants are common invaders and often find their way inside homes and businesses while foraging for food.
Are Ants Dangerous?
Most species of ants are considered nuisance pests and pose no significant risks to people or our properties. However, some ant species are destructive and pose significant threats to homes and businesses while others can carry and transmit bacteria and diseases including salmonella and streptococcus, which can make people ill.
In addition, if you have ants living inside your home, they will quickly find and contaminate your family’s food sources. So, no matter what species you're up against, any ants that are found living in and around your home should be eliminated as quickly as possible. And that's where partnering with a pest control professional for quality pest control services comes in!
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Why Do I Have an Ant Problem?
The most common attractants for ants are sources of food, water, and shelter. The presence of these things on your property can lead ants to invade your property, and once on your property, it is only a matter of time before those ants find their way into your home while foraging for food sources.
There are a few things ants are particularly attracted to, such as clogged gutters, leaky outdoor fixtures, unsecured garbage cans, gardens, wood piles, pet food or animal feed, compost piles, and outdoor eating areas. In addition, ants invade homes to seek relief when the weather outside becomes too hot, dry, or wet.
Where Will I Find Ants?
Ants can create their nests in a variety of places and are often seen wandering around decks, patios, driveways, and walkways while foraging for food. Some common outdoor nesting spots include under soil and mulch, in wood piles, underneath rocks or fallen trees, in tree stumps, along fence lines, and in the cracks of pavement or sidewalks.
Once they find their way into your home, ants will often create satellite nests underneath floors, behind walls and large appliances, inside insulation, in crawl spaces, and near heating systems. They are commonly found gathering in basements, kitchens, and pantry areas.
How Can I Prevent Ants in the Future?
Keeping ants off your property and out of your home can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to deter them from your home and property:
- Seal as many entry points as possible to eliminate entry points.
- Caulk cracks and crevices in your foundation and exterior walls.
- Make sure all screens are intact and replace or repair any that aren't.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Limit food sources by making sure that trash cans have tight-fitting lids on them.
- Locate gardens a distance away from the outside of your home.
- Secure any compost piles on your property.
- Place woodpiles a distance away from the exterior of your home.
- Create a stone barrier of at least 12 to 18 inches between your home's foundation and any grass or mulch.
How Do I Get Rid of Ants?
To eliminate ants found inside your home, the best option is to partner with pest control professionals, like us at Acadia Pest Control. Our dedicated experts will provide the services needed to find and completely eliminate ants and other pests from your home. At Acadia, we're committed to using the best products on the market to eliminate ants and other household pests. To learn more about eliminating ants from your home, contact us at Acadia Pest Control!
