Ants are just nuisance pests, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case here in Livermore. One specific species is doing more than just stealing food from homeowners. If you have never heard of Pharaoh ants, or the dangers they pose to people, here is a comprehensive guide to help you better understand and prevent these invasive pests.
What Are Pharaoh Ants?
Pharaoh ants are an invasive species of pest ant that lives here in Livermore and most other states across America. To identify this pest, look for its 2mm long body and distinct light yellow to brown color.
To feed their colony, Pharaoh ants take advantage of spills, crumbs, and moisture around homes and properties. Some things that attract these pests are sweet drinks, dead insects, and grease stains. Around pantries, these pests love infesting sugary and protein-rich foods such as peanut butter, honey, and bakery items.
Inside homes, Pharaoh ants build their nests in secluded hard to reach areas. Despite relying on scraps of food and spilled drinks to survive, these pests commonly construct intricate colonies far away from these sources. One common area where Pharaoh ants often construct nests is inside pipe chases.
How Do Pharaoh Ants Get Inside Homes?
Pharaoh ants enter into homes in many ways. Some of the most common entry points include:
- Through gaps and cracks in a foundation
- Around improperly sealed window/door frames
- Through a torn window/door screen
- Under unprotected doors and windows
- Along the edges of damaged weather stripping
- Straight through an open door or window
The Dangers Of Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants aren’t all that different from other ants: they scavenge for food, build intricate nests, and work together for the betterment of their colony. Where these pests differ from most other ants, however, is in spreading a range of dangerous disease-causing organisms. Some common diseases Pharaoh ants spread around homes include salmonellosis, staphylococcus, and clostridium.
Why Pharaoh Ants Are Difficult To Treat
Many ant species can be eliminated by using a localized treatment designed to kill their queen. Pharaoh ants, however, have several queens and often build multiple nests around a home, which makes treating these pests incredibly difficult. Another thing worth noting is that pest control products are not something a general consumer should use, as they often contain dangerous chemicals that harm humans and animals.
How To Prevent Pharaoh Ants
Although eliminating Pharaoh ants is quite difficult, reducing your chances of an infestation is not too difficult. To prevent these dangerous pests from invading your Livermore home, try these simple exclusion tips:
- Make sure all of your exterior doors are equipped with door sweeps.
- Repair damage to your home’s window/door screens.
- Address issues with weather stripping and make sure it is damage-free.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures around your property and inside your home.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors to keep moisture levels down.
- Check your gutters and make sure they are working properly.
- Use a caulking gun to seal holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Store leftover foods inside airtight containers.
- Make sure all of your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
If you don’t have the time to handle Pharaoh ants on your own, hire ProActive Pest Control. Our team of dedicated pest control technicians has the tools and experience your home needs to stay ant-free year-round.
With tons of five-star reviews and a 100% pest free guarantee, be sure we are the right choice for your home and property. Contact us today to find your best solution to pest problems.