Ants may not be as threatening as some other common household pests, but they carry their own set of risks to avoid. Some species cause devastating structural damage to homes. Ants are also a health risk to humans and invite other problematic pests into your house. Read on to learn more about ants and how you can keep them away from your property.
Common Types Of Ants That Invade Irmo Homes
There are over 200 different types of ants found throughout the United States. Out of that number, experts know of only around 25 species that invade homes. All ant species share a few common characteristics. They are social insects and live in colonies consisting of a large number of worker bugs and a queen. Ants also have a segmented body made up of three distinct parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have six legs and two antennae.
You can commonly find several ant species in the local Irmo area. Here is a list of these ants along with their identifying characteristics:
- Fire Ants: These dangerous, aggressive ants are a reddish-brown color and grow to be between 1/8" and 3/8" in length. They build large, irregular-shaped mounds as colonies and are known to attack any perceived threat. Fire ants cause extremely painful stings to humans and animals, and you shouldn't address them without the help of an exterminator.
- Odorous House Ants: This ant species is brown or black and has an average size of between 1/16" and 1/8". They are attracted to sweet fruits and relocate their colonies regularly due to rain. These ants give off a rotten odor when crushed, hence their name.
- Argentine Ants: Argentine ants have a shiny outer appearance and are black or brown. They also emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. A telltale sign of an Argentine ant infestation is noticing trails of workers traveling to and from a food source.
- Carpenter Ants: These black ants vary in size and can be anywhere between 1/2" to 5/8" in length. They may also be reddish-brown. They build their colonies by forming tunnel systems within wooden structures.
Notice an abundance of ants on your property or discover an ant colony? It might be time to contact a reliable Irmo pest control company, like The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
Why You Don't Want Ants Crawling Around Your Home
Although ants may seem like a relatively harmless pest, they are known to cause many issues. Ants are a major health risk, as they carry and spread germs. When they crawl through garbage and filth, they can easily contaminate the surfaces of your home by leaving behind harmful bacteria and diseases. Biting ants, like fire ants, cause painful stings that could result in allergic reactions. Disturbing a fire ant colony often results in severe injury, as these ants are known to become aggressive towards any threats.
Carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage to homes, similar to termites. These elusive pests chew through wood within walls and framing and often go undetected for long periods. If you notice small piles of wood shavings near walls and baseboards or notice rustling noises coming from within your walls, it might be worth contacting an exterminator to take a closer look. Ants are also problematic because they serve as a food source for other pests, like spiders. Look into proven ant control solutions to avoid a potentially serious problem at the first signs of ants in your home.
Why Do-It-Yourself Ant Control Usually Fails
Many home remedies to get rid of ants fail because they don't address the entire colony. Without eliminating their habitat, killing adult ants found in your home will only result in recurring infestations. Ants are also very good at staying hidden, and you may not be familiar with all of their habits and hiding places. When you have an ant problem in your home and ant prevention tips aren't working, contact the professionals at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
The Trick To Completely Getting Rid Of An Ant Infestation
Whether you find ants inside your home or discover a colony on your property, the experts at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. are here to assist. We've been helping local homeowners get rid of ants and stay pest-free for over 30 years. To learn more about our comprehensive pest control solutions, give us a call today.
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