Ants In The House: Identifying Common Species
The first step to handling ants in McAllen is being able to identify some of the common types of ants in the area. There are several common species in the area, but we’ll go over three – the carpenter ant, the ghost ant, and the harvester ant. Carpenter ants are named for their habit of tunneling into wood to make their nests. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood. Carpenter ants are usually black, red, brown, or a combination of black and red. They tend to range between half an inch and five-eighths of an inch long. Keep an eye out for small openings in wood surfaces with small piles of sawdust or other debris underneath them, as this is a common sign of carpenter ants.
Ghost ants are called that because they are difficult to see. Their pale color and tiny size make them hard to see individually. These ants usually have an unevenly rounded shape with a dark brown head and thorax. Their legs and abdomen are pale yellow. Ghost ants are only about a sixteenth of an inch long on average. Keep an eye out for ghost ants in areas with lots of moisture, as they need a lot of water to survive.
Harvester ants get their name from their habit of collecting seeds to serve as their main source of food. Most species of harvester ants have a pair of spines on top of the middle of their bodies, as well as hairs on the bottom of their heads that resemble a beard. Their colors can range from orange to red to brownish-black. They are usually between a quarter of an inch and half an inch long. Areas of bare soil are a common sign of harvester ants. Next, let’s talk about some of the risks of an ant infestation.
Ant Dangers: Understanding The Risks Of An Infestation
Having ants in your home might not appear to be a huge issue at first. It’s crucial that you deal with them quickly, however. Ants can contaminate food, making it inedible. They have a particular fondness for sweets, eggs, meat, grease, honeydew, and other similar items.
Certain types of ants, such as carpenter ants and harvester ants, can also sting or bite. People who are allergic to insect venom are more likely to have a strong reaction to harvester ant stings. Now we’ll talk about why professional ant control for homeowners in McAllen is often the best choice to get rid of these pests.
Professional Ant Control: Eliminate The Infestation
When you need to get rid of ants quickly, the best thing you can do is call BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control. We’ve been serving McAllen, TX, and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley for years.
We’re dedicated to providing efficient, effective pest control to homeowners and businesses alike. Your safety and satisfaction are our highest priorities. Getting rid of ants can be nearly impossible on your own, but with our home pest control solutions for ants, you can keep your home safe for years.
Ant Control Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Ant-Free Long-Term
Once you’ve removed the ants from your home, the final step in ant control is to make sure they can’t get back in. Here are a few tips for maintaining your ant-free home:
- Don’t store lumber or building materials close to your house.
- Get rid of any standing water or excess moisture.
- Trim shrubs and tree branches that grow too near the home.
- Search for cracks or openings in the outside of your home and seal them.
- Have a professional ant control company inspect your home a few times a year.
These ant prevention tips should help you keep your home ant-free for many years to come. Don’t wait to reclaim your property from ants; contact BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in McAllen.