Ant Identification & Prevention

Ants are small insects belonging to the scientific classification Formicidae. There are more than 30 species of ants found around North America, many of which pose significant threats to human structures in some form. Proper ant identification is essential for both home pest control and commercial pest control, as treatment methods vary based on the species.

Types of ants you need to keep a look out for include fire ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants (also known as sugar ants), pharaoh ants, Argentine ants, acrobat ants, crazy ants, and tawny (raspberry) crazy ants.

Raspberry crazy ants are especially a problem around Houston, Texas, as this invasive species has spread through 11 counties and counting. These ants love the warmth and moistness of the coast, grow to about 1/8 of an inch long, and have distinctive reddish-brown hairs. Because raspberry crazy ants have multiple queens, avoid ordinary ant baits, and aren't controlled by store-bought products, they are difficult to fully exterminate, especially without professional assistance.

Ants that invade your property bring several different dangers with them. To start with, all ants track bacteria and pathogens into your property. They spread these over counters and in food storage areas, increasing your chances of serious illnesses like salmonella or staph. Additionally, all ants can bite humans and may trigger allergic reactions; fire ants are especially known for their ability to swarm, deliver painful stings, and trigger health issues.

Some species, such as carpenter ants, may also burrow into your structure's wood and leave costly damages behind.

Ant problems are often due to having many factors that attract these pests to your property. Ant species will gravitate to any area providing easy food, water, and safe shelter access. Eliminating these factors can help prevent ant invasions.

Outdoors, ants prefer to hide around long grass and piles of debris or stay in underground colonies. Around the interior of your property, you can find ants in wall voids, around food pantry areas, near trash cans, and hiding in kitchens or bathrooms.

Getting rid of ants is simple when you contact Green Pest Guys. Our service technicians will work with your property's needs to ensure we identify all ant species and suitable treatments are put in place to remove all of your ant problems for good.

The following ant prevention tips can help you stop future ant problems from taking place around your property.

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your property to ensure ants stay outside.
• Install window and door screens in addition to weatherstripping to keep ants firmly outside.
• Always store leftover food properly and never leave out dirty dishes or food and drink spills, as the aroma attracts ants.
• Keep lids firmly on trash cans and seal trash bags tightly to stop ants from scavenging.
• Clear outdoor areas of long grasses and debris piles to reduce ant hiding spots.

Contact Green Pest Guys for more information on ant prevention or assistance with total ant control.