Ant Identification & Prevention

Ants are small eusocial insects that live in colonies with specific social structures. Typically, an ant colony features a queen, workers, soldiers, and reproductives, sometimes called swarmer ants. Ant colonies are generally in exterior areas or underground, but certain ant species can create their colonies inside wood or in the structures of homes and businesses.

And while there are many ant species around today, certain types of ants are more likely to invade your property. These commonly encountered ant species include fire ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, crazy ants, pharaoh ants, and pavement ants. Ant pest control professionals can help identify the ant species on your commercial property.

Ants aren’t the most dangerous pests to host around your home, but they can still be quite problematic. All ants are capable of tracking bacteria and pathogens into your property. As the ants invade food storage areas or other surfaces, they bring the risk of contamination or illness. 

Most ant species can bite humans and bite or sting when threatened; this is especially a problem with fire ants, a species that can trigger allergic reactions and leave incredibly painful stings behind. 

It’s also important to note that many types of ants will cause property damage. As ants invade utility and electrical areas or even the wooden structures of your home, they create colonies and tunnel through wood, short out electrical equipment, and create serious problems. Professional ant control is the best way to combat these problems.

If you’re noticing an ant problem around your property, you likely have many factors that attract these pests on display. Ants love easy access to food, trash, water, and sheltered areas for hiding and nesting. Evaluate your property for these factors and take steps to remove them as part of an effective ant control plan.

Around the outdoors, you can find ants hiding under fallen leaves, branches, and other debris. They may make their colonies underground or build elaborate nests above the ground, or they may inhabit fallen trees and stacked woodpiles. Around interior areas, ants will stay near food and secluded hiding locations.

The easiest way to get rid of ants is to contact Pest OPS for expert ant control solutions. Our team will work with you directly to inspect your property, identify your ant removal needs, and provide perfectly crafted treatments for your property. We can remove pesky and potentially dangerous ant invaders in no time.

Stop ant infestations in the future by following these easy ant prevention tips:

• Seal any potential ant entry points on your property, such as cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation.
• Use weatherstripping and window and door screens to keep ants firmly outside.
• Always store leftover food properly and consider using airtight containers in pantry areas.
• Dispose of trash promptly, seal all trash bags tightly, and use trash cans with fitted lids to keep ants from scavenging.
• Never leave out food and drink spills or dirty dishes, as this easily attracts hungry ants to your property.

Contact Pest OPS today to get started.