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Ant Identification & Prevention

What are ants?

Ants are those six-legged insects that we regularly see wandering around wooded areas, parks, picnic areas, and, unfortunately, our yards and homes.

These social insects live together in large colonies, work together like a well-oiled machine, and maintain multiple nesting sites making them pests that are tricky to control and prevent. Ants have become some of the most common household pests and regularly make themselves comfortable in our homes. A few of our area’s most common and problematic ant species include pavement ants, odorous house ants, and fire ants.

Are ants dangerous?

The following are things ants need access to in order to survive:

Proteins, sweets, grease, and honeydew (a sticky substance produced from garden aphids)
Standing water or areas of high humidity
Appropriate nesting sites like damp soil, exposed pieces of wood, woodpiles, etc.

Unfortunately for us, ants have discovered that they can have easy access to their basic needs on our properties.

Why do I have an ant problem?

The most common attractants for ants are sources of food, water, and shelter. The presence of these things on your property can lead ants to invade your property, and once on your property, it is only a matter of time before those ants find their way into your home while foraging for food sources.

There are a few things ants are particularly attracted to, such as clogged gutters, leaky outdoor fixtures, unsecured garbage cans, gardens, woodpiles, pet food or animal feed, compost piles, and outdoor eating areas. In addition, ants invade homes to seek relief when the weather outside becomes too hot, dry, or wet.

Where are ants commonly found?

Ants happily live and nest outdoors. Their favorite nesting sites vary with their species.

Fire ants prefer to nest in open sunny areas like parks, yards, and golf courses.
Odorous house ants prefer to nest in shallow soil beneath stones, boards, logs, mulch, and debris.
Pavement ants nest in the damp soil next to sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and spaces in masonry walls.

As ants move around your yard searching for food and water sources or if the weather becomes too harsh, ants will move indoors through spaces they find in our home’s exterior. Once inside, they nest in structural wood, electrical equipment, walls voids, and insulation.

How do I get rid of ants?

Ants are frustrating and difficult to get rid of. The best way to eliminate these ants from your yard or home is with the help of the pest professionals at Anthem Pest Control. Servicing Greater Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Greenville, we are a local pest control company committed to excellence and understanding the needs of home and business owners in our region. We are committed to eliminating ants and other pesky pests and providing our customers with peace of mind. To learn more about our comprehensive pest control services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reach out to us today.

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Controlling and eliminating ants is best done with the help of an experienced professional. In addition to the pest control services at Anthem Pest Control, the following tips will help make your property less attractive to ants.

Don’t make it easy for ants to find food in your yard. Keep lids on trash cans, keep outdoor eating areas free of leftover food, and maintain gardens.
In your home, eliminate their ability to find crumbs by regularly vacuuming, removing trash, and storing food in the fridge or containers with locking lids.
Remove areas of standing water in your yard and fix leaky pipes and fixtures in your home.
Get rid of fallen trees, tree stumps, and excess woodpiles from your yard where ants could nest.
Seal cracks in the foundation of your home, install door sweeps, and make sure weatherstripping is around windows and doors to help keep ants out of your house.