Ants are a headache to have around for multiple reasons. One is that they continually pop back up. Just when you think you've eliminated them, they seem to return with a vengeance. With professional pest control in Katy, you won't have to deal with these bugs anymore. Some try to handle the insects on their own, but that path is complicated and can lead to critical errors. You can't afford for things to go awry, especially when carpenter ants and other ruinous species are involved.
Finding the right set of ant control solutions can be tricky, but you can get answers through this article. Read on to learn about local species and how to go about combating them. All-Safe Pest & Termite has the resources and knowledge to get rid of ants in your home.
Does Spotting One Ant In My House Mean I Have An Infestation?
Many people assume that seeing a single ant doesn't mean anything significant. Unfortunately, even this can be notable. The odds are that more ants are on your property somewhere, as ants live in vast colonies.
Common species in the region are:
- Acrobat ants - Acrobat ants vary in color and are 1/8 inch long. Their abdomens are shaped like a heart.
- Crazy ants - Crazy ants are reddish-brown or black and 1/8 inch long. They're known for erratic movements.
- Ghost ants - Ghost ants are roughly 1/16 inch and are a mix of brown and a pale yellow.
- Odorous house ants - Odorous house ants are 1/8 inch and brown or black.
- Pharaoh ants - Pharaoh ants are 1/16 inch long and are usually pale yellow.
- Rover ants - Rover ants are 1/12 to 1/16 inch long and black, brown, or yellow.
- Carpenter ants - Carpenter ants are 5/8 inch long and are generally black or red.
- Fire ants - Fire ants are 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch and reddish-brown.
The presence of any of these species of ant in your home is problematic. If you see even a single ant, be sure to closely monitor the situation to see if more follow.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Ants In My House?
Ants are often covered in bacteria; they can spread their germs across food, surfaces, and your personal belongings. On top of that, their saliva, urine, and fecal matter have microbes. These insects are linked to salmonella, shigella, and streptococcus pyogenes, among other pathogens. Receiving quality pest control can help protect you from food and surface contamination from ants.
Acrobat, ghost, and odorous house ants emit foul scents upon death or when they feel threatened. Crazy ants can get inside utilities and electrical devices and cause shortages. Pharaoh ants are particularly notorious for spreading bacteria, especially in health care settings. Rover ants are largely a nuisance species. Carpenter ants damage wood, which can end in your home having faulty foundations. Fire ants in Katy destroy landscaping and may sting you; intense allergic reactions are possible.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants In My House?
The best way to get rid of ants in your home is to contact a professional. All-Safe Pest & Termite offers safe ant treatments that are highly effective. Our skilled technicians will apply residual liquids and lay non-repellant ant baits. In addition, we have specialized solutions for fire ants. These avenues are designed to wipe out colonies. Get a free estimate when you call today!
How Can I Prevent Ants From Returning To My House?
Once your ant problem has been addressed, it's important to stay proactive about preventing future infestations. Complete these tasks to deter ants:
- Close cracks in foundations and around utility line entrances.
- Verify that weatherstripping and door sweeps are intact.
- Have moisture problems repaired.
- Clean the kitchen meticulously and wash the dishes often.
- Routinely vacuum rugs and carpets.
- Store food and garbage securely.
- Remove wood that is decaying or damaged.
- Keep potted plants and wood several feet from the property.
Doing these things will make your home less hospitable to ants. If you do experience further ant issues, be sure to call the pros at All-Safe Pest & Termite.