Ants are tiny, but they are one pest in Dallas, Texas that’s sure to cause big problems. They are one of the most common home-invading insects, and while they might not seem like that big of a deal, they are very difficult to remove and can even be dangerous.
Some of the ant species in the area are mostly nuisance pests, but even the harmless ones can have large, sprawling colonies. And, other species, such as fire ants and carpenter ants, can pose health risks or cause property damage.
Identifying Common Ant Species
The first step in dealing with ant problems is to know what some of the most prevalent species in the area look like. Four of the main ants in the area are crazy ants, acrobat ants, fire ants, and carpenter ants.
Crazy ants are a light tan color and are best identified by the erratic or “crazy” patterns that they move in. Acrobat ants range from light tan to black and can release a foul odor when threatened. Both of these species are mainly considered nuisance pests.
Carpenter ants, on the other hand, are dark brown to black ants that tunnel through wood to build their nests and can cause property damage. And, fire ants are reddish-orange in color and known for their painful stings and bites.
Can You Remove Ants On Your Own?
Because ants are such a regular pest problem, many home and business owners try to remove them on their own using DIY methods. Many people assume that this will be easier and cheaper than using professional services, but there are several reasons why DIY ant removal isn’t the best idea.
Mainly, these options just aren’t that effective. Ants are very invasive, and you’ll likely end up spending more time and money than you bargained for trying to get rid of them. Their colonies can span many feet underground or even get inside things like walls or under floors, and each colony can contain thousands of individuals.
This makes it difficult to get the entire infestation. So, while OTC ant sprays and traps might get rid of some of the ants, they won’t remove them all. Plus, some of these products can be dangerous, especially for pets and small children who might mistake the brightly colored products for food.
What Sets Professional Ant Control Apart
Luckily, there is one effective and simple way to get rid of any ant infestation, no matter how severe. The experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite use a three-step process to ensure that ants are eradicated quickly.
First, we provide an inspection done by a trained and licensed professional. From this inspection, we figure out a customized service plan for you. Next, we have an initial service where we address both the inside and outside of your property while ensuring your family and pets are kept safe. And, finally, we offer follow-up visits to make sure you continue to enjoy ant-free living.
Ant Prevention Steps
While removing ants is best done through professionals, there are some steps you can take to help prevent future ant infestations. This, along with All-Safe Pest & Termite’s ongoing ant control, is the best way to keep ants away for good.
- Keep garbage cans covered with lids and remove trash from your property.
- Store pet food indoors.
- Keep kitchens cleaned which includes cleaning up food and drink spills right away.
- Address moisture issues by fixing leaky plumbing.
Contact All-Safe today to request a free estimate.