Finding any kind of ant in your house can leave you worried about the safety and cleanliness of your property. But finding pharaoh ants in your home can cause alarm. These insects are a far cry from the sugar ants you're used to, and dealing with them quickly is a must.
Your Houston pest control team at All-Safe Pest & Termite wants to help you stay prepared. Here's what you need to know about pharaoh ants so you'll be ready to deal with them as soon as you notice the first one in your home.
Pharaoh Ants: How To Distinguish Them From Other Ants
Pharaoh ants look completely different from other common ant species. Telling them apart from other common ants is much easier and allows you to tailor your pest control efforts to the exact ant species you have on your property.
A few key characteristics to look for are their size and color. The most common pharaoh ant size is about 1/16 of an inch in length when fully grown. Unlike other species, pharaoh ants are pale yellow or slightly reddish with a darker abdomen, giving them a two-toned appearance.
Their unique look can help you decide if you have pharaoh ants in Houston or a different species altogether.
Pharaoh Ant Infestations: The Hidden Risks They Bring
Though it might seem like pharaoh ants only pose a risk to your food, they're far more dangerous than you might think. Pharaoh ants are known to spread diseases, including the following:
- Salmonellosis
- Staphylococcus
- Clostridium
- Streptococcus
If you think these ants are on your property, you'll want to act fast to keep your loved ones safe and healthy. When you schedule a professional pest control treatment, our team will be able to tell you how to get rid of pharaoh ants safely.
Pharaoh Ant Extermination: Professional Solutions For Total Control
The best way to deal with any kind of ant infestation is through professional pest control treatments, especially with pharaoh ant infestations. Professionals know what attracts pharaoh ants to your property and know where to look for these unwanted insects.
Once they know where these insects are entering your property, they'll treat your home to remove any active nests. This treatment will help get rid of the ants already inside and prevent new ones from coming indoors in the future.
Proactive Measures To Keep Pharaoh Ants Out: Tips And Techniques
Though professional appointments are the best way to control pharaoh ants on your property, there are a few things you can and should do to keep them from coming back between appointments. Here are a few proven tips to help you keep pharaoh ants out for good:
- Fix sources of excess moisture: Pharaoh ants love high-humidity areas. Get rid of temptation by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers throughout your home.
- Seal up cracks and gaps: These ants enter your home through small cracks and holes in the exterior. Inspect your house often and repair any damage that you find as soon as possible.
- Keep food sealed: Like most ants, pharaoh ants are attracted to food smells. Store your food in airtight containers, and keep your trash in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Remove vegetation: Ants still prefer to stay outside but will enter your home if convenient. Keep them far away from your home by trimming tree branches and removing excess vegetation from the side of your house.
Preventative measures work best when you combine them with professional treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.