Ants can arrive without warning and cause a number of problems inside and out. The pests are small, fast, and breed quickly, so they are hard to find and to control. Homeowners may not feel as uncomfortable with a few ants in their home as they would with cockroaches or spiders, but it is advisable to try to remove them before their numbers grow.
Common Types of Ants
California is home to only a small percentage of the over 12,000 species of ants that exist around the world. Despite this, those that do live in the state can cause a lot of destruction and frustration for homeowners. Some of the most problematic include the carpenter ant, the Argentine ant, the pharaoh ant, and the fire ant.
The carpenter ant becomes a problem for homeowners when they have wet, decaying wood around their property. The ant makes their nests in these types of environments and will carve long tunnels throughout the wood until it is essentially hollow. The tunnels eventually affect the stability of the structure.
The Argentine ant is an invader species that migrated to the United State from South America. The busy pest breeds prolifically and has decimated the populations of other ant species in the state. Argentine ants invade homes through almost impossibly small spaces. They enter when water resources become low outside and can easily overwhelm a home.
Another concern with the Argentine ant is their potential to protect aphids and other garden pests because they like the secretions from these insects. As the ant protects aphids, the aphids continue to cause damage to vegetation in yards and gardens.
Pharaoh ants, or sugar ants, prefer places where they can find an abundance of food. Sweets, fats, and proteins all appeal to the crawling nuisance. The pharaoh ant is as much a problem to commercial buildings like restaurants as it is to homes.
The fire ant is an intimidating pest because it can cause damage in homes and yards and is a threat to humans and pets. Fire ants often build mounds in the earth for nests. The mounds can be mistaken for gopher holes and poking around could lead to an attack from the ants.
Potential Problems from Ants
The risk of home damage due to carpenter ants has already been noted, but it is important to know that these pests can also deliver a painful bite. Carpenter ants have mandibles made for gnawing through wood, so they can break through the skin and cause pain. A colony of ants may swarm if someone threatens their nest.
Pharaoh and Argentine ants also bite when threatened, but are smaller and more likely to run away than attack. The main problem with these pests is their tendency to overpopulate and become a nuisance. In homes, they get into food, go anywhere water exists — like sinks, tubs or even water dishes for pets — and climb on people and animals.
Fire ant bites are a serious threat because the insect releases venom that results in a burning sensation. The ants often bite repeatedly, and a colony can cause a lot of pain. Infection and scarring at the site of the bites can take place, and allergic reactions are a medical emergency.
Effective Ant Prevention Methods
Repair water leaks from hoses or outside plumbing, and have good water drainage around the home. Seal up all cracks and apply caulk around doors and windows. Trim all vegetation so it does not touch the home and remove any yard debris. Always enclose food in sealed containers, empty garbage cans often and clean up dirty dishes and food crumbs.
Once ants arrive, it is often necessary to get professional help to eradicate the colony. At Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control Inc., we can remove the ants and create a treatment plan to keep them away. Contact us to schedule an inspection or to learn more about effective ant control.