Ant Identification
August 9, 2022
What are ants?
Ants are tiny insects that regularly find their way onto our Arkansas properties. These pesky insects invade in large numbers taking over our indoor and outdoor spaces and being extremely difficult to prevent and avoid.
All homeowners are likely to experience a problem with ants at one time or another. Two of the most problematic ant species in our area are fire ants and odorous house ants.
Fire ants are tiny but highly aggressive ants. They are reddish-brown and attack as individuals or a group.
Odorous house ants look like typical ants. Their most distinctive characteristic is how unpleasant they smell. Odorous house ants emit a foul-smelling odor after they are crushed. These ants are familiar visitors to our homes and businesses.
Are ants dangerous?
Some ants are considered dangerous and can cause serious harm to people and the structures of our buildings. Fire ants are an example of a dangerous ant species living in our area. These tenacious ants deliver painful bites laced with venom strong enough to cause serious allergic reactions in people. Bites from fire ants can cause a local reaction at the bite sites, breathing difficulties, or life-threatening anaphylaxis depending on the person.
Our area’s other most common ant species, odorous house ants, are perfect examples of nuisance ants. We don’t want them taking over our properties, contaminating food and surfaces with the bacteria they carry on their bodies; they are more of an unwelcome nuisance than a danger to have on our properties.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Ants are omnivores and feed on many different types of food; however, most ants have a sweet tooth. Their affinity for sweets makes our properties quite attractive to them; they will forage from our trash cans, recycling bins, compost piles, gardens, and kitchen areas. The lure of food odors found in our yards and homes is too much for ants to resist and the biggest reason these pests are on our properties.
Where will I find ants?
Ants are omnivores and feed on many different types of food; however, most ants have a sweet tooth. Their affinity for sweets makes our properties quite attractive to them; they will forage from our trash cans, recycling bins, compost piles, gardens, and kitchen areas. The lure of food odors found in our yards and homes is too much for ants to resist and the biggest reason these pests are on our properties.
How do I get rid of ants?
To eliminate the ants that have taken over your yard or home, reach out to Advanced Pest Control. We are a family owned and operated business dedicated to our customers and providing the services necessary to help them get rid of their pest problems. We provide advanced treatments that will produce advanced results!
Through thorough inspections, effective treatments, and follow-up services, we solve ant problems. Our professionals are honest, committed to our customers, and provide nothing less than top-of-the-line pest control services. To learn more about ridding your Hot Springs property of the ants that have become unwelcome guests through our residential or commercial pest control services, contact our knowledgeable team of experts today!
How can I prevent ants in the future?
At Advanced Pest Control, we have put together a list of helpful pest control tips to assist you in making your property as unappealing as possible to these annoying and troublesome pests.
Take care of your yard, maintain your lawn, and fill in bare spots that could attract ants looking for a nesting site.
Address moisture problems that will attract ants like leaky pipes, dripping air conditioners, and other plumbing issues.
Properly store food. Keep food in the refrigerator or in sealed containers with locking lids. Don’t leave fruits, vegetables, or baked goods out on counters or tables.
Regularly vacuum your floors to pick up stray crumbs.
Quickly wipe away sticky spills from tables and counters.
Keep ants from moving into your house by sealing cracks in the foundation, sealing spaces where wires and cables enter your home, and placing weatherstripping around windows and doors.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.
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