What Are Ants?
Ants are common household invaders and social insects that live in structured colonies, divided into three different groups, or castes: fertile males, queens, and workers. Worker ants travel across our yards and into our homes while foraging for food. Ants vary in color and size by species, but in general, they are identified by having six legs, three well-defined body regions, bent antennae, and chewing mouthparts; reproductive members (males and queens) have wings. Invading in large numbers and having multiple nesting sites makes controlling and eliminating them difficult. House ants and Argentine ants are two examples of ants that live in our area and get into our structures.
Are Ants Dangerous?
Ants are not particularly dangerous pests to wander around your home, but they certainly are not welcome. Most of the ants we deal with in Omaha, Nebraska are nuisance ants, but their presence should always be investigated and quickly eliminated. Ants contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and other pathogens. Additionally, moisture attracts many ant species, including the Argentine ant and house ant. Their presence is often an indicator of an underlying moisture problem.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Ants can become a problem almost anywhere. They can live in urban, suburban, and rural areas, as long as there is food, water, and shelter. Ants are most often attracted to a property by food sources, such as open trash cans, recycling bins, and compost areas. They will also gather food from our pet’s bowls, gardens, and outdoor eating areas. While looking for food on your property, it is common for ants to find their way inside through spaces in the foundation, under doors, or through damaged screens.
Where will I find ants?
Depending on the exact species, ants live in a variety of areas. House ants prefer to create nests in wall voids near hot water pipes or sinks, inside heaters, and in crawl spaces. They also like to place their nests in wood previously damaged by termites or other wood-damaging insects.
Argentine ants like to build their outdoor nests in damp soil along sidewalks and the foundations of buildings. They also nest under logs, landscaping ties, and underneath wood or rock piles. Inside our homes, Argentine ants nest behind walls, large appliances, or under floors near hot water pipes or leaky pipes. Argentine ants also like to nest in the soil of potted plants.
How do I get rid of ants?
Get rid of ants from your residential or commercial property with the help of the local experts at All Star Pest Control. We will eliminate ants and other pests from your home or business, and provide the follow-up services needed to prevent them from returning. We work closely with our customers to ensure that we meet all their pest control needs.
All Star Pest Control offers exceptional pest control services, using the most modern technology and products available. If you are ready to protect your Omaha, Nebraska home or business from ants, reach out to All Star Pest Control today. Our results are guaranteed!
How can I prevent ants in the future?
The best way to prevent future problems with ants is to partner with the professionals at All Star Pest Control. It is also important to implement the following prevention tips:
- Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans, compost bins, and recycling bins.
- Pick up uneaten pet food.
- Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
- Seal cracks in the foundation, place door sweeps on exterior doors, and replace damaged siding or screens.
- Place covers over vents, and seal up spaces around wires and cables entering your home.
- Reduce nesting spots on your property by removing woodpiles, leaf piles, logs, fallen trees, and other debris from your property.
- Inside your home, vacuum floors and wipe down counters to remove stray crumbs.
- Eliminate sources of water by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures, using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels, and removing standing water from your property.