Ants are common pests that plague homeowners in this region. Ants generally form nests in natural, outdoor settings, yet, they will capitalize on opportunities to enter homes seeking sources of food.
Ants are insects that exist in more than 10,000 various species throughout the world, and approximately 250 different types are found in Texas. Ants have bodies composed of three segments with six legs and antennae.
Some of the most common types of ants found in the Comstock region include acrobat ants, carpenter ants, leaf cutter ants, and pharaoh ants.
Are you wondering why there are so many ants in your house? Those who achieve the best outcomes typically have help from the pros. A licensed Comstock pest control company employs a staff that receives the latest training regarding how to control ants and may identify existing property conditions that make the home vulnerable to future ant intrusions.
Avoid store-bought products, traps, and other do-it-yourself ant control solutions. In many instances, these options deliver only short-term results that are insufficient against larger ant populations.
The Life Cycle Of Ants: How Ant Colonies Develop
Often during the spring months, winged ants emerge and congregate for their mating ritual. A nest is soon formed, and the queen will begin producing eggs. Ant colonies may house several thousand members; however, many become significantly larger.
When do queen ants come out from the nest? After starting new colonies, queen ants usually remain inside the nest for the remainder of their lives. Because of their reproductive capacity, the ants within a colony recognize the importance of keeping the queen protected.
What is the lifespan of an ant? Some ants might live for only several weeks or as long as several years. For example, data from the AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M University reveals that queen fire ants often live for more than five years, while workers from the colony might die after only a few weeks.
Ant Dangers: Understanding The Risks Of An Infestation
Fortunately, the majority of home-invading ants in the Comstock region are considered more of a nuisance than a true human health risk. Yet, ants will contaminate food and surfaces as they travel. Ants are associated with salmonellosis, E.coli, and several other health-related concerns.
Are carpenter ants dangerous? Like termites, carpenter ants are wood-destroying creatures. Carpenter ants may invade a wooden part of a home and begin eroding the structure, which often creates costly property damage. Unlike termites that consume wood, carpenter ants simply form their nests inside. Making matters worse, the majority of home insurance policies specifically exclude carpenter ant damage from the scope of coverage.
Ant Prevention Is Key: Effective Tips And Tricks
Many individuals in the Comstock region will notice a couple of ants in their houses and express minimal concern. Unfortunately, ant infestations can escalate quickly and soon become unmanageable.
Those who are looking for answers regarding how to prevent ants should consider the following tips:
- Adopt excellent cleaning habits, particularly in kitchen areas, by sweeping floors and wiping down countertops and sink basins regularly.
- Never leave dirty dishes or uneaten bowls of dog or cat food out overnight.
- Identify any cracks, crevices, or other openings around the exterior foundation and fill them with a weatherproof caulk or sealant.
- Install sweeps along the bases of exterior doors as needed to fill gaps that might allow entry.
- Place all trash bags containing food remnants in durable garbage receptacles with functional lids.
As these ant preventative measures indicate, property owners should use a multi-faceted strategy. The best plan involves limiting attractants, performing regular maintenance tasks, and implementing sound exclusionary measures that will impede indoor access.
Professional Ant Control: A Great Way To Keep Ants Out For Good
How to eliminate ants in the house? When you contact a pest control professional, we will diligently inspect the premises as needed to locate the source of the problem and choose the best treatment plan. Identifying any existing nest, such as one located near the exterior of the structure, is critical because of the sensory capabilities and communication skills that ants possess.
The ant control specialists at Gold Star Exterminators – Del Rio have decades of experience expelling different types of ants from homes in the Comstock region. Our trained technicians know what to use to get rid of ants quickly and will deliver results without harming you, your pets, or the local environment that we share.
Our organization knows the importance of operating efficiently and ensuring that we deliver high-quality customer service.