After a long, hard day at work, we cannot wait to kick off our shoes and enjoy a yummy meal. Nothing spoils that long-anticipated meal like ants crawling over your counters, on your stove, and in your sink. , in the middle of the desert, does not guarantee your safety from these invaders, in fact, Phoenix has multiple house invaders.
Common Ant Species In Phoenix/h2>
Six ants are known to be in the Phoenix area. They are relatively easy to distinguish as they have three distinct body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen with six legs and a pair of bent antennae. They vary in color and size (from 1/20” to 1/2”). To , consider the following:
- Southern Fire Ants: Coloring is a yellowish-red head and thorax and a black abdomen (they can also be completely yellowish-red or brownish-black). They tend to nest in small mounds or patches of loose soil near moisture.
- Harvester Ants: Coloring is orange to red or brownish-black. They remove vegetation around their nests which can cause bare spots in your yard.
- Carpenter Ants: Coloring is red, black, or a combination. They are nest builders that can chew through materials to establish nests.
- Odorous House Ants: Coloring is typically brown or black. They are not mound builders; they are builders that use existing structures.
- Rover Ants: Coloring ranges from black to dark brown, to pale blonde. Winged adults and foraging workers prefer to build nests in urban areas.
- Pavement Ants: Coloring is dark brown to blackish. It prefers places of limited vegetation; buildings, pavement cracks, and under stones.
How To Handle An Ant Infestation In Your Phoenix Home/h2>
Ants are social insects. They normally live in the soil while building underground colonies; however, some are opportunistic, making nests in pre-existing areas. No matter where they make their home, they are invaders. Colonies can range from 100+ workers with one queen to enormous colonies of 10,000+ workers with multiple queens. They feed on other insects, seeds, meats, grease, and dairy products. Their all-time favorite dish is sweet and sugary. Most ants crave moisture. Those who make it inside your home can nest in walls, insulation, around hot water pipes and heaters, under sinks, in bathrooms and kitchens, behind cabinets, and beneath your floor. Nests that are outdoors are built-in moist soil, bases of trees, leaf litter, woodpiles, and garbage heaps. Outside pests can damage your lawns, invade your picnics, and .
How Phoenix Residents Can Prevent Ant Invaders/h2>
Ants are not known for causing structural damage, but some can weaken structures with their tunneling. Most are just a nuisance. They rarely transmit disease, although they can contaminate food and carry bacteria. Ant prevention can prove extremely difficult. are as follows:
- Keep things clean. Ants have a healthy appetite for all things yummy in your home. It is wise to keep food items sealed properly and to keep surfaces clean.
- Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.
- Keep branches and other plants cut back from your home.
- Seal (with a silicone-based caulk) cracks or small openings around the bottom of doors and around windows.
- Firewood and building materials should be stored away from the home.
Fighting infestations can be a mammoth job. Identifying the ants, sizes of colonies, and where they are hiding can be difficult. Over-the-counter solutions are in abundance but may have potentially hazardous ramifications. Homeowners who use over-the-counter products may win the battle against the ants, but if you do not eliminate the queen, they will be back!
Green Home Pest Control Can Fight Ants For You
Green Home Pest Control has been helping the people of Phoenix since 2012. With Green Home Pest Control‘s assistance, we can help identify, diagnose, and supply safe and effective both inside and out. Green Home Pest Control offers treatments that are safe for your family and customized to suit your infestation needs. Call us today for a free estimate and home inspection.
