Ants




ANT CONTROL BUCKS COUNTY PA



Because most ants are so small, they only need a tiny crack or hole to gain entry inside any Bucks County home or office. And without a detailed inspection of the foundation and outer walls, it is unlikely that any homeowner would notice such a small entry point.

Fortunately, experienced exterminators are trained to find all of the spots where pests may enter homes and offices. Species like the acrobat ant, black ant, carpenter ant, citronella ant, odorous ant and pavement ant are those that are most likely to live inside or close to a human habitation.

Colonies in these ant species tend to be very large, with thousands or even millions of members. Feeding all of those pests is a major chore, and this means that worker ants must constantly forage for food sources.

Too often, those sources are found in a dirty garbage can or in a layer of crumbs on a kitchen counter. Until the food source is eliminated or secured and the access point is blocked, ants will continue to enter the premises. When an exterminator takes on the job, homeowners can expect a swift and efficient resolution.

WHAT DO ANTS LOOK LIKE?



Measuring about one-eighth of an inch long at maturity, acrobat ants typically range from light brown to black in color. This species may be identified by their heart-shaped abdomen and stinger.

Black ants have unevenly rounded profiles to help identify them as well as a pedicel that is formed in two segments. These dark brown or black ants may measure a maximum of one-sixteenth of an inch.

The amber or yellowish-brown citronella ant gives off a citrus or lemony smell when they are crushed. Workers measure between one-eighth and three-sixteenths long, though the colony's queen may be significantly larger.

Odorous ants, or odorous house ants, are tiny at an average size of between one-sixteenth and one-eighth of an inch. With their brown or black coloring, they may be difficult to distinguish from other species were it not for the rotting coconut smell that they emit when they are crushed.

Pavement ants may be identified by their dark bodies, which contrast with their lighter-colored legs. Like many other ant species, adults measure about one-eighth of an inch and are brown or black.

Carpenter ants most frequently are brown or black, though red and other colors sometimes make an appearance. At about five-eighths of an inch when fully grown, this is the largest local ant species.

WHAT DO ANTS EAT?



Protein and sugar are the main dietary components for most ants. These items are obtained from living and dead insects and from the honeydew that insects such as aphids and mealybugs excrete. Oily and greasy items also are likely to attract ants.

Kitchens provide a wide variety of foods for ants. Fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice and other grains all may be infested with these pests. Baked goods and dessert items are particularly favored, and it is not unusual to seeing ants congregating around dishes with meat in them. Pet food is another favorite item.

Any food that shows signs of having been tampered with by ants need to be thrown away to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

WHERE DO ANTS LIVE?



The species of the infesting ant largely determines where they nest. An active ant nest may be concealed inside a log or within a pile of firewood. Cavities beneath rocks, inside tree trunks that are starting to decay and among leaf litter and other yard debris also provide possible nesting sites.

Some nests are found beneath piles of bricks or lumber while there are species, like the pavement and citronella ants, that are known to prefer nesting beneath a porch or concrete slab. Tiny piles of sandy soil next to these structures may give away the colony's location.

Many ant nests are found close to human habitations because they afford regular access to food. Some ants will actually nest within a residence. In particular, carpenter ants are known for building elaborate nests inside basements, crawl spaces and other relatively undisturbed locations.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY ANTS



Not all ant species are destructive. Most of them simply take advantage of an existing crack or hole in a building to gain access to the interior as they search for food.

While they do not destroy property, they still cause problems by contaminating food and the surfaces on which food is prepared. Not only must infested food be thrown away but also food preparation surfaces must be disinfected before they are safe to use.

Though it is not common, it is possible for certain ant species that tunnel beneath pavers and stepping stones to destabilize these objects, representing a significant trip hazard.

However, the most destructive members of this species are carpenter ants. With their propensity for constructing mazes of chambers and tunnels in wooden construction components, it is possible for carpenter ants to cause significant structural damage.

ARE ANTS AGGRESSIVE?



Ants tend to be relatively mild, preferring to run away or avoid confrontations with humans. Nonetheless, many people suffer bites and stings each year when they try to deal with an ant infestation by themselves.

Moreover, it is worth noting that ants can be exceptionally determined when it comes to exploiting available food sources, which can make them seem like an aggressive species. With thousands of colony members to assist them, it can seem like it is impossible to stop the steady march of ants in the kitchen.

DO ANTS CARRY DISEASE?



It is rare to hear of illnesses being transmitted directly from an ant to a person via a bite or a sting, at least in this part of the world. Nonetheless, ants remain a significant health threat.

Some people are extremely allergic to ant bites and stings. When ant venom enters their system, they may experience symptoms like pain, swelling and itching. The most severe reactions may lead to anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening.

The other, much more common, health concern that is associated with ants is food poisoning. Ants walk through animal carcasses, sewers, drains and garbage cans in their search for food. Next, they indiscriminately infiltrate kitchens and pantries where food is stored.

Along the way, they distribute E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella and other health-threatening pathogens. In homes where there is a suspected infestation and an unexplained illness, contamination may be the culprit.

HOW TO DETECT ANTS



Signs of an ant issue may include:

• Flying carpenter ants emerging in the spring
• Soil or sand piles found around patios and driveways
• Discovering ants in the kitchen or food storage
• Ants discovered on walls, floors, tables or kitchen counters

HOW TO PREVENT ANTS



To help prevent an ant infestation, the following steps should be taken:

• Fill or cover holes and gaps in the home's exterior
• Keep garbage cans clean
• Wipe up all spills and crumbs as they occur
• Keep woodpiles and yard debris 20 feet away from structures
• Use metal or glass containers for food storage

HOW TO TREAT FOR ANTS



Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own.  Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.

As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.

Schedule a FREE inspection today.

GET THE FACTS



●  ANTS


Courtesy: National Pest Management Association
Acrobat Ants
Black Ants
Carpenter Ants
Citronella Ants
Odorous Ants
Pavement Ants
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