As soon as the summer season approaches, the threat of noticing a vast population of ants crawling around becomes very common. They usually start as a few scouts but quickly grow into full-on attacks. These tiny ants start nesting from a small hole, but you have no idea how quickly they grow, spreading throughout the entire property. More than 7,000 ant species are found worldwide. Amid different species, it gets hard for you to identify which one of them has finally infested your house. Some species can cause severe damage to property and pose a threat to health. Through this guide, we will talk about how to identify the type of ant infesting your property and how to perform quick ant control Elmont to avoid future outbreaks.
Common Types of Ants Found in Homes
Carpenter ants
These ant species are big enough to be between 6 and 12 mm long. They are usually black or red. These insects prefer to build nests in rotting or damp wood, and wooden buildings are their primary target. You can easily notice their presence, as seen by the rustling sound coming from inside the walls. Meanwhile, a pile of sawdust around the edges also highlight their presence. If not treated promptly, they can cause severe damage to property.
Pavement Ants
These ants have a body structure ranging from 2.5 to 4 mm, typically black or brown in colour. They prefer to establish colonies in cracks in sidewalks, foundations or roads. You can notice their presence by identifying dirt or small mounds of sand near entry points. Although they are not harmful, seeing them in large numbers can be annoying.
Odorous House Ants
These ant species have a body length of 2.4-3.3mm, with a black or dark appearance. They smell terrible when you crush them like a rotten coconut. In search of food, they mostly draw on pantries and kitchen space. They contaminate food, causing a risk of spreading bacteria.
Pharaoh Ants
These ants are tiny, measuring around 1.5 to 2mm, and are light brown to light yellow in colour. They generally nest in hidden, warm places, such as behind floorboards and gaps in walls. Thus, they are drawn towards sugary or sweet substances. In particular, they can spread pathogens that are harmful to humans, making them a significant health issue.
How to Identify the Ant Type on Your Property?
Now, before you think you are performing any ant control Steward Manor measures, it is essential to identify the type of ant on your property. Various signs can help you determine when these insects have begun establishing colonies in different areas. Ant species can differentiate from one another based on their characteristics and physical traits, as mentioned above. Notice their colour, length, form, width and the number of segments on their antennae.
Noticing the ant tracks is another significant indicator to consider. You will generally find trails in areas where sufficient food sources are available. They often prefer to draw towards protein-based, sugary, and sweet substances. Meanwhile, please pay close attention to how they build the nests. They like to establish colonies in appliances, insulation, or behind walls. For them, it is essential to select those corners that are out of sight.
Lastly, don’t forget to notice the smell! Odorous house ants will give a rotten coconut a strange smell upon crushing. If you hear light scratching sounds coming from inside your walls, especially at night, it could be carpenter ants digging into wood.
Smart Measures to Follow After Identifying the Ant
Check the Size of Infestation
As soon as you start noticing the ants, you need to figure out how many infestations they have built. Get an idea about the size of the infestation. Look for nesting areas, entry places and trails. Different locations on the property require frequent monitoring, such as areas near water or food sources.
Pick the Right Treatment
Determining the proper pest control Garden City is very important against the elimination of ants. You can opt for spray solutions or bait treatments, depending on the type of species. Be cautious when using treatment procedures by avoiding harsh solutions. If you’re unsure, consult with experts.
Clean up Food Sources and Trails
Ants leave pheromone trails that help other ants find food. Use vinegar, lemon water, or soap-based solutions to clean these trails thoroughly. Make sure there are no more bits or spills. Keep all food, especially sweet or greasy things, in airtight containers. This will eliminate the insect’s primary motivation for entering your space.
Seal Entry Points to Stop Entrance
Cracks, gaps, and entry holes around windows, doors, and supports should be sealed to prevent people from entering. When necessary, use glue, weatherstripping, or mesh. Also, fix any leaks or moisture problems, as ants prefer wet environments. Removing areas where pests can enter and build nests helps keep your space safe and prevents future infestations.
FAQs
- Can different kinds of ants live together on the same property?
Different types of ant species can be found in various regions of the world. For instance, odorous house ants are commonly found in kitchen areas, and carpenter ants typically build their nests in wet wood.
- Do all ants sting or bite?
Not all of them! If we discuss one such ant species that bites or stings, it is the fire ant, also known as the crazy ant. Their stings can be excruciating for sensitive skin.
- What time of year they are most active?
You will often notice their presence during the warmer months. If they start infesting inside a home, there is a high likelihood that the ants will survive throughout the year.
- Can ants damage my wooden house?
Yes, carpenter ants can damage wooden furniture for nesting purposes. They dig holes in wood to make nests, which can weaken building parts over time.
Eliminate Ant Infestations With Our Expert Services
If you are worried about a pile of ants roaming around your house, hire the professional services of USS Pest Control right now. We provide long-term solutions to eliminate these tiny insects from your property. Be it residential or commercial space, we tackle all kinds of infestations no matter how many high they are located. We are just one call away to inspect your property to identify common signs of infestation. Let us treat your house to make it an ant-free environment.
