Ants are rarely a concern until they come indoors, and then it’s a battle to get dishes out of the sink, spills off the counter, and floors swept before they settle in. No one ever wants to call pest control over a few silly ants, but there are a few species that are more than an inconvenience to have indoors. Argentine ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants are species common in Elk Grove that may merit a bit more attention. Keep reading to learn more about these common Elk Grove house ants, ant prevention methods, and the best pest control for ants.
How To Identify Argentine Ants
This invasive species of ant prefers sucrose-containing sweets and moisture. If they come indoors from outside, they will seek moisture sources to lay shallow nests. Under tiles or potted plants and near water pipes are common indoor nesting places. Argentine ants can grow up to ¼ of an inch and are shiny brownish-black. They have long, skinny thoraxes and large, pointed heads and abdomens. These ants are not known to bite unless provoked and do not spread disease.
How To Identify Carpenter Ants
A relatively large species of ant, the carpenter ant can grow to around ⅝ of an inch in length. They are typically red or black, though sometimes they are a combination of the two. They have large heads and mandibles and hairy abdomens. Like termites, carpenter ants damage the structural components of our homes. Unlike termites, they don’t actually eat the wood. Instead, these ants prefer insect honeydew, plant, and fruit juices, as well as other insects, grease, sweets, eggs, and meat. Signs of carpenter ants can include galleries in wood as well as carpenter ant frass that appears like wood shavings but is simply a by-product of the carpenter ant damage to the wood.
How To Identify Fire Ants
Fire ants can grow up to around ⅜ of an inch long and range from dark reddish-brown to shiny cherry red. These ants can leave painful stings in clusters on exposed skin that turn into blisters. Allergic reactions to these stings may make them even more severe. Fire ants eat meats, greasy, and sweet materials, as well as other insects. Painful stings and potentially dangerous allergic reactions make fire ant control a must.
How To Prevent Ants
Ant control for homeowners in Elk Grove can be as simple as following these few prevention techniques:
- Control sources of excess moisture inside and outside of your home.
- Sanitize surfaces and vacuum regularly.
- Store indoor and outdoor trash in sealed containers. Clean bins regularly.
- Seal cracks and crevices around the home’s foundation with silicone-based caulk.
- Make sure doors and windows properly seal, installing door sweeps and weather stripping if necessary.
- Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from windows and roof.
How To Get Rid Of Ants
Ants of all species, but especially argentine ants, are known for their massive colony sizes. Their ability to fracture into smaller colonies and spread over a large area makes ants difficult to deal with. OTC ant sprays and traps won’t get rid of an entire infestation and can pose more of a human health threat than an ant health threat.
Ant prevention is difficult, but with these prevention tips and Pro Active Pest Control’s ongoing assistance, you can keep them away. If you’re already seeing carpenter ant frass, need fire ant control, and are wondering about the best pest control for ants, you can call Pro Active Pest Control. Through our year-round pest control plan, our ant control for homeowners can keep your home guarded against pests with inspections, foundation treatment, and seasonal treatments that will make ant sightings a thing of the past. Call Pro Active Pest Control today to get your free quote for pest control in Elk Grove.