How are Ants a Pest?
Health Hazards
Most ants are more of a nuisance than a danger. They can contaminate food sources, but the most common ant species found in our area aren’t considered a public health hazard.
Some ant species like the red Fire Ant and Harvester Ant can bite, but they’re not very common in our area.
Property Damage
The Carpenter Ant is a wood destroying insect similar to termites. They don’t eat wood, but they do chew through it to build their nests. Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your home that will need to be repaired. Carpenter Ants are the largest common ant you’ll see, and are commonly a little over a half an inch long. They’re black and have a waxy appearance.
How to Deal With Ants in Your Home
Ants, like many insects, aren’t pests until they go somewhere they’re not welcome, like your home or outdoor living space. In your yard, ants are an important part of the ecosystem that keeps your lawn and garden healthy.
When Ants Get Inside Your House
When ants make it into your home, that’s when they become a pest. Spraying ants with bug killer isn’t an effective strategy because you’ll likely only kill a very small number of the total ants in the colony. Other ants will follow the trail later and your problem with persist. Instead, focus on using baits that get transported back to the colony eliminating them.
Prevention
With Ants, prevention is important. If an ant can’t get into your house, it can never become a pest. Ants are crawling insects, so our Pestegic Defense Routine Pest Control Treatment is highly effective at preventing ants from entering your home. We put down a barrier of pesticide on the foundation of your home and in the cracks and crevices that ants have to go through to get in. Exposure to the pesticides will kill the ants before they make it into your home. When you we identify ants on your routine service, we will also put down a granular bait that the ants will carry back to the colony.
Ants Commonly Found In or Around Homes
Here are some of the most common ants we find in the Midwest:
Pavement ants: These small, black ants are commonly found in homes and are known for their love of sweets. They create nests in soil under sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
Carpenter ants: These large, black ants can cause significant damage to wood structures in homes. They nest in damp, rotting wood and can often be found near leaks or other sources of moisture.
Odorous house ants: These small, dark brown ants emit a strong, unpleasant smell when crushed. They are attracted to sugary foods and are often found in kitchen areas.
Argentine ants: These small, light brown ants are invasive species known for forming large colonies that can spread rapidly. They are often found in damp areas, such as near water sources or in gardens.
Pharaoh ants: These small, yellowish-brown ants are known for their ability to spread rapidly and establish multiple colonies within a single building. They are often found in hospitals, hotels and other buildings where food is stored.
Ghost ants: These small, pale ants are known for their ability to blend in with their surroundings. They are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, attracted to sweets and grease.
Acrobat ants: These small, dark-colored ants are known for their distinctive abdomen, which has a heart shape when viewed for above. They like high places and often live in trees with damaged wood. In your home, they are typically found high on the ceiling or in the attic.
Health Hazards