Having an ant or two around the house is normal; we’ve all had to deal with these nuisances from time to time. However, if you suddenly see an abundance of ants or some that you think may be dangerous, it might be time to contact a Houston pest control company.
The most effective ant control comes from proper identification. Some species, like carpenter ants in Houston, can cause damage to our homes. In contrast, pharaoh ants in your house threaten your family’s health and well-being, and fire ants can cause some painful stings.
Our ant control solutions will help eliminate nuisance ants and protect your home and family from the more troublesome ones. Read on to learn how to identify common ants in our area and some helpful ant prevention tips.
The Types Of Ants You Can Find In Houston
The following is a list of the most common ants to invade properties in Houston:
- Acrobat ants measure about 1/8 of an inch and are light brown to black.
- Carpenter ants are black or red and between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch.
- Crazy ants measure between 1/16 and ⅛ of an inch and are dark brown to black with a gray sheen.
- Fire ants are 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch, dark reddish brown, and have a stinger.
- Ghost ants are only 1/16 of an inch with a dark brown head and pale yellow body.
- Odorous house ants are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch and can be black or brown.
- Pharaoh ants are 1/16 of an inch and pale yellow or reddish with a darker abdomen.
- Rover ants are 1/16 of an inch, dark brown, black, or pale yellow, and stand out because of the long hairs on their body.
If you are struggling to identify the type of ant that has invaded or think they may be harmful, contact a local company with experience in ant pest control near you.
Is It Dangerous To Have Ants In My House?
Ants are never welcome visitors to our homes. While most of the ants on our list are primarily a nuisance, many carry the potential for surface and food contamination. There are also a few that can cause damage or threaten the health of our families.
Carpenter ants in Houston can damage the structure of your home over time. They slowly excavate the structural wood while creating their nests. Acrobat ants can strip the insulation from electrical wires causing short circuits, and sometimes bite when threatened.
The ants that threaten our health and well-being are pharaoh and fire ants. Pharaoh ants in your house spread bacteria like salmonella, staph, and strep and can make us very sick. Fire ants are typically outdoors, but when they make their way inside, the risk of fire ant bites (stings) greatly increases.
How Can I Naturally Keep Ants Out Of My House?
Here are some ant prevention tips to help keep your home and family safe:
- Properly store food in well-sealed containers.
- Keep eating areas inside and outdoors clean.
- Promptly clean dishes after using them.
- Take the trash out frequently and be sure the receptacles close properly.
- Fix any moisture issues in and around your home.
The most effective ant control always starts with prevention.
How Can I Permanently Get Rid Of The Ants In My House?
The best way to eliminate ants in your home is to work with a local company specializing in ant pest control near you. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, our experienced professionals provide ant control solutions that work. Contact us today to request your free estimate to eliminate your ant problem permanently.