A single ant isn't a big problem, right? Well, that is technically true. However, when you find yourself dealing with an entire ant colony or multiple colonies, these small pests can turn into a big problem. Unfortunately for homeowners, ants are social insects and usually come in large groups. Due to their small size, these pests can exploit even the smallest cracks and crevices to get into our homes. This makes them quite formidable pests that are very difficult to keep out. Here are the most common ways that ants invade homes and some things every Phoenix homeowner should know in order to keep them out!
Ants That Live Around Phoenix
Without doing some research, it is difficult to tell all the different species of ants in Phoenix apart. To help you identify and understand your local ants, here's what you should know:
Argentine Ants
An Argentine ant is 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch long and is dark brown or black. Brought to America in the 1800s, this invasive ant species prefers living around homes and regularly comes inside to scavenge for food.
Pharaoh Ants
The pharaoh ant is 1/16 of an inch long and ranges in color from pale yellow to red with a dark abdomen. Unlike many of the other ants in our area, pharaoh ants actually carry and transmit dangerous diseases, including staphylococcus and salmonellosis.
Pavement Ants
The pavement ant is 1/8 of an inch long and is dark brown to black. As their name suggests, these insects build their nests around paved areas such as driveways, sidewalks, and the foundation of homes.
Carpenter Ants
The carpenter ant is 5/8 of an inch long and can be red, black, or red and black. Known for being the largest ant species in North America, these destructive pests build their nests into large water-damaged, rotting, or decaying wood structures. These wood-destroying tendencies cause a considerable amount of damage to Phoenix homes every year.
Fire Ants
The fire ant is 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long and is a dark reddish-brown color. Although these ants are the least likely to be found crawling around inside your home out of this list, fire ants love building their nests out in our yards, biting and stinging anyone who comes too close.
Why Ants Invade Homes
Ants invade homes for one of two reasons; to scavenge for food or to find shelter from unfavorable conditions outdoors. As long as your house provides these pests access to food sources and has entry points in its exterior to let them in, you will have trouble with ants eventually. It's a matter of when not if.
How Ants Get Inside
Ants will enter homes through any gap, crack, or hole they can find. If your doors and or windows don't shut properly, ants will use gaps around them to squeeze inside. If the foundation of your home is damaged, they will crawl in through the cracks. Sometimes ants will crawl right inside through open doors and windows; it all depends on what entry point they find first.
5 Great Exclusion Tips For Ants
- Seal gaps, holes, and cracks in your home's exterior foundation using caulk.
- Make sure your window and door screens are in good condition.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Keep unscreened doors and windows closed as much as possible.
- Repair any damage to your home's siding.
The Solution To Ant Infestations Around Phoenix
If you want ants to stay out of your home and don't know where to start, consider partnering with the experts at Overson Pest Control on your ant control efforts. Let us create a lasting barrier of defense around your home's exterior designed to ensure pests like ants stay outside where they belong.
Give us a call now to discuss our Pheonix pest control options and find the pest control plan that best handles the ants causing trouble in your home and yard!