Ant Identification & Prevention

Ants are a type of social insect, with colonies ranging in size from a few dozen individuals to millions. Ants have antennae and six legs, as well as an exoskeleton that helps protect against predators. They eat various items and will even scavenge for food, making them a nuisance for homeowners. Here at American Pest Control, the most common types of ants we deal with are Argentine ants, odorous house ants, little black ants, and acrobat ants. Argentine ants are light to dark brown, with slender legs and an unevenly shaped body. Odorous house ants are dark brown or black with pale-to-light yellow sections on the abdomen and large heads compared to their bodies; they emit a strong coconut-like smell when crushed. Little black ants typically range from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length and can be identified by their small size. Acrobat ants generally have an unevenly rounded thorax shape and a white spot on the head.

Although ants don't pose an immediate threat to humans, they can cause a variety of other problems. Ants are considered pests because they get into food and damage crops. Argentine ants and acrobat ants may contaminate food sources. Acrobat ants have also been known to strip insulation from electrical wires, causing short circuits. In addition, the presence of any type of ants can be a sign of other pest infestations in the home. It is important to contact a professional pest control company if you suspect that you have an ant infestation. American Pest Control offers ant control solutions to effectively remove these pests from your home or business. We can also provide tips on how to prevent future infestations.

Ants enter structures in search of food, water, and shelter, which means that if your home provides them with these resources, you may be at risk of an ant infestation. Some common reasons for ant problems include leaving food out, not cleaning up spills or crumbs, having leaks or standing water, and having cracks or gaps in your home's foundation or walls that ants can enter through. Ants are skilled at finding and exploiting resources in their environment and can quickly establish a colony if they find a suitable habitat. Once they establish a colony, ants can become difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Ants typically nest outdoors and may be found in moist areas such as near water sources, under rocks, and around plants. Indoors, ants are usually attracted to food sources such as kitchens and pantries. They can also enter through cracks or openings in your home's foundation or walls and may establish nests inside the walls or other hidden areas. American Pest Control can help you identify where ants are nesting in your home and provide the necessary treatments to get rid of them.

The most effective way to eliminate ants depends on the species of ant and the severity of the infestation. DIY pest control for ants can be difficult because it is important to correctly identify the species and their nest locations. For this reason, it's best to contact a professional ant control company, such as American Pest Control, who can inspect your home and identify the most appropriate treatment methods for your ant infestation. Our home pest control for ants will safely and effectively eliminate ants from your property.

A few simple but effective ant prevention tips include: keep food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills right away, seal cracks and gaps around your home's foundation or walls, and keep outdoor trash cans and recycling bins sealed tightly. In addition, American Pest Control can provide an ant prevention plan tailored to your individual needs. This may include regular inspections of your property and treatments if necessary. Contact us today to learn more about how our ant pest control services help keep your home ant-free.