Ants

What are ants?

Ants are social insects that live together in large groups, working together to maintain the health and safety of their colonies. Ants can be identified by their three distinct body regions: the head, thorax, and abdomen in addition to their antennae. The reproductive members of the colony are winged and emerge from their mature colonies when the weather gets warm in order to mate and create new colonies. Depending on the specific species, ants can range from very small (⅛ of an inch) to quite large (½ to ¾ of an inch) and range in color from black, brown, and red to even yellow.

Are ants dangerous?

The answer to the question of whether or not ants are dangerous is that it depends on the specific species. Many ant species are considered nuisance pests and pose no significant risks to people or property. However, other species have the ability to carry and transmit significant diseases including salmonella and streptococcus and pose health risks to people. Other species of ants, such as carpenter ants, are considered to be dangerous due to the significant structural damages that they can cause to the wood of a home or other structure as they tunnel through it to create their nests.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are typically attracted to properties that offer them easy access to food, shelter and water sources. Properties with clogged gutters, leaky outdoor fixtures, unsecured garbage cans, gardens, and compost piles can easily attract ants. Once these ants are on your property foraging for food and water sources, it won’t be long before they find their way into your home through any small crack or crevice in the foundation or exterior walls of your home. Ants will also invade homes while seeking a temperature-controlled environment to live when the weather outside becomes too hot or too dry for their liking or during periods of heavy rain.

Where do ants nest?

In general, when ants are living outdoors, they can be found nesting in the ground underneath the soil, in piles of wood, in the cracks of pavement, along fence lines, under fallen trees or landscaping ties, or inside tree stumps. Once they find their way inside, ants are typically found nesting underneath floors, behind walls, inside insulation, in crawl spaces, near heating systems, and behind large appliances. In the case of a carpenter ant infestation, you may find them living inside the structural wood of your home or business.

How do I get rid of ants?

If you are dealing with an ant infestation, it is best to enlist the help of a pest control professional, like Pro Active! When you partner with us, you can rest assured knowing that your ant problem will be taken care of. We use modern and eco-friendly pest control methods and products to control ants and other common pests found living in and around your home. To learn more about implementing our pest control services covered by our 100% service guarantee for your Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Rocklin, or Sacramento home, reach out to us at Pro Active Pest Control today!

How can I prevent future problems with ants?

Preventing problems with ants can be a difficult task, but there are some steps that homeowners can take to deter them and prevent them from finding their way inside. To help keep ants from invading, seal any gaps found in your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and around the utilities entering into your home. Make sure that all exterior doors have door sweeps installed on them and that all window and door screens are completely intact. It is also important to eliminate easy access to water sources by repairing any leaky pipes and drains and by making sure your gutters are working properly. It is also helpful to create a stone barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s foundation. Ants are attracted to food sources, so making sure that your outdoor trash cans and compost bins have tight-fitting lids on them and are both stored a distance away from the exterior of your home is important as well. Inside your home, eliminate food sources by storing all food items in the refrigerator or in containers with airtight lids. In addition, make sure to vacuum and wipe down counters and tables regularly.

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