Ant colonies can number in the thousands. Some ants are just annoying pests, but others can be dangerous to your home or family. This article will discuss the different types of ants in Maryland, why they're dangerous, and how to prevent them from entering your house. Keep reading to learn more about ants and how pest control in Pasadena can help.
How Can I Tell What Type Of Ant Has Invaded My Home?
There are more than 10,000 different species of ants in the world and more than 700 in the United States. Ant species differ in size and color, allowing you to determine the type of ant you encounter.
Some of the most common types of ants in Maryland homes include:
- Acrobat ants are 1/8 of an inch and light brown to black. They appear to have a heart-shaped abdomen when looking down at them.
- Carpenter ants are 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch and are red, black, brown, or a red and black combination.
- Odorous house ants are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch and black or brown. When crushed or threatened, they emit a rotten coconut-like smell.
- Pavement ants are 1/8 of an inch and black or dark brown. They usually nest in pavement cracks.
- Pharaoh ants are 1/16 of an inch and pale yellow or reddish with a darker abdomen.
Ants don't travel alone, so seeing one means many more are nearby. In most cases, you'll see a line of ants, indicating an infestation. In this case, the best pest control company for ants can help.
Is It Dangerous To Have Ants In My House?
Most ants are primarily a nuisance, causing little or no damage. The biggest problem with these ants is food contamination. However, others can cause damage to your home or illnesses within your family.
Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to build nests, creating galleries over time which weakens the structure of your house. Acrobat ants can strip electrical wiring to find a warm place to nest, possibly resulting in electrical fires.
While uncommon, pharaoh ants can spread illnesses, including salmonella, staphylococcus, clostridium, and streptococcus. As a result, these ants are the most dangerous to your family's health. You should call a local pest control company as soon as possible if you notice these ants in your Pasadena home.
How Can I Get Rid Of An Ant Infestation Quickly?
Once ants find a food source in your home, they'll return until they know it's gone. For this reason, eliminating an ant infestation can take a while. Our Accutech Pest Management technicians have the best ant control solutions for quick removal. We'll inspect your home and create a plan to get rid of these pests permanently. While calling Accutech Pest Management is the best option, there are some things you can do to stop an infestation.
How Can I Prevent Future Ant Infestations In My House?
In most cases, ants are drawn from their outdoor colonies into a home by the smell of food. The workers create trails to the food source that others follow. As a result, eliminating these sources is the best way to avoid an infestation. Some ant prevention tips include the following:
- Keep food inside airtight containers.
- Rinse food containers before disposing of them.
- Move firewood, tree branches, and vegetation away from your house.
- Clean spills or crumbs off surfaces in your home.
When ants find a food source and create a path into your home, it can be hard to get rid of them. In this case, you'll need professional ant control in Pasadena. Call us to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Pasadena.