Ant Control: Identifying Different Types of Ants

Nearly everyone has to deal with ants at some point – they’re America’s #1 nuisance pest, after all! A recent survey found that ants are everywhere, in every type of home.

There are over 700 species of ants in the United States, and they can become a nuisance for homeowners. However, many don’t realize that ants can also bring with them health and property risks, from food contamination to damaging property.

The good news is that there are many ways to effectively minimize the potential development of a major infestation of ants. Homeowners must pay close attention to signs of an infestation and take action if ants are found.

The first step to getting rid of an infestation is to figure out what kind of ants you’re dealing with. That way, you can figure out the best way to eliminate them. But if you’re not a bug expert, this can be tough. You might want to call one of the reliable pest control companies in Fresno, but this quick guide can also help you ID the type of ants you have:

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are medium-sized and reddish-brown. They’re known for being the most invasive ant in the US. They’re good at building nests and will set up a home wherever they can find water. Argentine ants feed on sweets and can even damage electrical equipment, such as motors.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are one of the biggest species, and they get their name from the fact that they like to take up residence in wooden building structures. These guys are hefty and are often black or brownish-red. They’re also pretty aggressive and can deliver a painful bite.

Crazy Ants

Crazy ants are aptly named because they can often be seen frantically running in and out of cracks in the wall. They’re also known as “tawny crazy ants” and are primarily found in the southern US. This species has a reputation for being one of the most invasive ants, and they will quickly take over an area and are difficult to get rid of. These ants are around ½ an inch long, and they’re reddish-orange.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous Ants are one of the few household ants that are rather large. They’re around 1/4 an inch and are typically blackish with a reddish-brown color. These are common outdoor species and create huge mounds in your yard. They’re also known for having a strong scent and can be a nuisance in your home.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are small and light brown. They’re known for being one of the most common pests in homes and are also a common cause of food contamination. Pharaoh ants are also incredibly quick and very hard to catch.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Red imported fire ants are tiny, but they should be taken seriously. These ants get their name from the fact that their stings can be excruciating and cause a lot of itching. These ants are mostly found in the southeastern US and can quickly infest an area.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are around 1/8th of an inch long and are light brown in color. These are a common outdoor species of ants and will often move indoors when the weather turns cold. They’re also known for building small mounds outside of buildings.

Conclusion

This guide was created to help homeowners deal with the threat of ants invading their homes. There are many ways to deal with an ant infestation, but it’s a good idea to consult an expert in residential pest control services first.

Valora Pest Control is an expert company that offers ant pest control in Fresno, among other services. Get in touch with us to schedule our visit to your home!