There is no easy way to describe ants or break down the problems they cause in and around homes. With thousands of species spreading over every continent except Antarctica, we could talk for weeks and still not cover the basics. What we can do is share with you a secret to keeping several different invasive ant species out of your Lincoln home. With just a bit of understanding and a few simple tricks, you might just have a fighting chance.
Common Area Ants
There are roughly 270 species of ants that live here in California, many of which live here in Lincoln. To simplify things for you today, here are some of the most common home-invading ants in our area and what you need to know about each.
Odorous House Ants: Identify an odorous house ant by its ⅛ - 3/16” long, brown or black body, and unevenly shaped thorax. Around homes, these pests will scavenge for food, occasionally build nests within walls, and spread a foul rotting coconut-like odor when squished or threatened.
Pharaoh Ants: Identify a Pharaoh ant by its 1/16” long, yellowish-brown body, and its unique 12 segmented antennae. What makes these pests unique is their ability to spread dangerous disease-causing organisms such as salmonellosis and Streptococcus.
Fire Ants: Identify a fire ant by its 1/16 - ⅕” long, reddish body, black hind section, and visible stinger. Although small, these pests pack a punch with their painful stingers and strong jaws. Pinpricks of pain and heat are commonly associated with these pests’ stings.
Carpenter Ants: Identify a carpenter ant by its ¼ - ½” long, red, black, or red and black body, and its rounded thorax and large mandibles. These larger ants are best known for the way they build their nests into structures of softened wood.
Little Black Ants: Identify a little black ant by its 1/16” long, dark-brown to jet black body, and unevenly rounded thorax. Out of all the ant species in Lincoln, little black ants are the most common around homes.
Why A Deep Clean Is The Best Place To Start With Prevention
Although all ants are different, their reasoning for invading homes is usually the same. They are either looking for food, water, or shelter. The cleaner your home is, the less of a reason ants will have to want to invade. As you make your way through your home, make sure not to neglect inside hard to reach areas such as beneath large appliances or around furniture. Keep in mind a single ant only needs to eat one-third its body weight of food a day. To make sure they have no reason to be in your home, you have to work to keep things clean.
Identifying And Sealing Entry Points
Another way to prevent ants is by making sure your home is properly sealed. Accomplish this task by following these simple exclusion tips.
- Use a caulking gun or a container of liquid cement to fill in gaps, holes, and cracks in your home’s exterior.
- Make sure your window/door screens are in good working order.
- Repair or replace weather stripping and door sweeps that are damaged or installed improperly.
- Keep unscreened doors, and windows closed as much as possible.
For more help handling and preventing ants around your Lincoln home and property, turn to the experts at Pro Active Pest Control. We have spent the time to study ants and know which methods work best to eliminate and exclude these pests from properties. All you have to do is give us a call or reach out through our website. We will send a technician your way with a fast and effective answer to any pest problems you are facing.