Homeowners who frequently see ants traipsing across their lawn and through their house may be running themselves ragged trying to solve the infestation. They likely wonder how the ants are getting inside and how they can eliminate them. Knowledge is the first line of defense against pests like house ants.
How To Identify The Type Of Ant Infesting Your Home
There are over 12,000 species of ants living on Earth. Within the United States alone, there are over 1,000 types of ants. Fortunately for homeowners, only a few types of ants frequent house invaders. These ants include but are not limited to the little black ant, the odorous house ant, the pavement ant, and the carpenter ant.
The little black ant is, as its name suggests, black with a small stinger. These ants are relatively small as far as ants go. Outside, they tend to live beneath rocks and rotting wood. These tiny ants are most active during the summer months when it is easier to find food. They eat almost anything, from meat to fruit to grease.
The odorous house ant gets its name for its stench after being crushed. Only slightly larger than their little black ant cousin, they tend to range from brown to black and do not have a stinger. Odorous house ants live in exposed, moist soil or beneath wood. They are especially attracted to sweet foods.
Pavement ants tend to be dark brown or black. While they do have a stinger, they rarely use it. These ants will eat anything and usually live at the base of buildings or in pavement cracks.
Carpenter ants are the largest ant that commonly invades homes. They are typically shiny black, and although they have no stinger, they do have strong biting mandibles. Carpenter ants tend to feed on plants but eat anything they can get their hands on. They prefer to live in wooded areas or wooden structures.
The Problems Ants Can Cause
Ants can cause many problems for homeowners. They are nuisance pests that can overwhelm people with their large numbers. Ants will often enter the home searching for food or moisture, so they frequently track through kitchens to target pantries and countertops. In their search for food, ants contaminate human and pet food. Tiny black ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants are the most common ants to find their way into kitchens.
Additionally, some ants cause structural problems in the home. For example, carpenter ants in your house bore through wooden floors, studs, and joists to create their nests. Some ants even wind their way into your electrical!
Five Natural Ant Prevention Tips
Ant pest control for homes is an essential task for every homeowner. Ant control in your yard is also imperative. The best pest control is prevention. Luckily, there are a few natural ways to prevent ants from infesting your home in the first place. Some tips include:
- Cutting back shrubs and vegetation
- Resolving leaks, floods, and excess moisture right away
- Cleaning the kitchen often
- Sealing food in airtight containers
- Sealing cracks and crevices in the home
This list is by no means exhaustive; however, these five steps are an excellent place to start. Simple preventative measures can make the difference when it comes to keeping pests, like ants, away from your property.
How To Get Rid Of Ants & Keep Them Away
The only surefire ant control solution is to work with a professional. A professional can guarantee that active infestations are resolved and do not return. The best pest control for ants is Innovative Pest Solutions. Innovative Pest Solutions has over 20 years of experience dealing with the toughest pests, including ants of all species. We specialize in safe, effective pest control treatments to protect you and your home from pests. We are committed to serving you, your family and your property to protect your health and the integrity of your home from pests. For pest control that you can count on, reach out to Innovative Pest Solutions today!
