With more than a dozen native ant species and several imported varieties in Texas, you’ll see these pests in your yard and your house. You may even find Carpenter Ants damaging your home. Ants are particularly pesky because they have large colonies and infest homes in great numbers. Experts agree that ants are the most common household pest in the United States, but we don’t think that they have to be. With effective ant control, you can enjoy your home and your garden without interference from these tiny intruders.
Identifying Ants
Before we start evicting ants, we will identify the species. This helps our pest management professionals determine their behavior and preferred nesting site as well as the best method for addressing the problem. If you’ve seen flying ants, we’ll make sure that you don’t have a termite problem since both insects look similar.
Ants have three pronounced body segments, six legs and a pair of antennae. Their bodies can be brown, reddish-brown, yellow or black. Ants range in size from less than one-sixteenth of an inch to more than three-quarters of an inch. Some species thrive outdoors. Others prefer the food, water and shelter that is available within homes. Since they are so small, it’s easy for hoards to find their way inside through tiny openings.
Types of Ants
Invasive ants are a big problem in our area. Venomous fire ants and newly arrived Tawny Crazy Ants are a major concern.
Common house ants may also be troublesome because their colonies can be several thousand strong. Ants aren’t solo travelers. In many cases, you can trace a trail of ants back to the nest. Unlike fire ants, most house ants don’t bite, but it is believed that they carry bacteria, including salmonella and staphylococcus. Some of the most common ants in Texas are Pharaoh Ants, Acrobat Ants, Odorous House Ants and Pyramid Ants.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants are one species that you won’t find indoors savaging crumbs. However, homeowners should be concerned about these wood-destroying pests. Carpenter Ants don’t eat wood, but they do excavate it to build nests. If you see sawdust spilling out from behind siding or notice carpenter ants crawling across your deck or walls, have our professionals check for infestations. Carpenter Ants prefer damp wood, so their presence often indicates moisture problems.
Ant Control Services in Texas
Ants require thorough treatments that target the entire colony. Otherwise, they will return. Our pest management professional will develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the problem and your concerns.
To learn more or to schedule a service, call Hart Pest Control today.