How Ant Infestations Start In Bradenton Homes

6/4/2021

Ants aren’t easy to deal with. It can seem like no matter what spray or bait trap you use, you can’t stop these nuisance pests from crawling around in your kitchen. Once ants infest your home, they can be extremely hard to get rid of. But you might be wondering how these pests manage to get indoors in the first place. That’s why you need to know how ant infestations start in Bradenton homes. 

ants swarming a piece of fruit

Types Of Ants In Bradenton

There are at least 20 different types of ants that can be found in Florida. Some of the common culprits to invade homes in Bradenton include:

  • Argentine ants – This invasive species is known to reproduce quickly and in great numbers. A colony can have hundreds of queens, making complete elimination especially difficult. Argentine ants are dark brown or black in color and measure between 1/16 and 1/4 inch in length.

  • White-footed ants – Dark brown or black in color, these ants are outfitted with pale white feet. They typically measure 1/8 inch in length and have a serious appetite for sweets.

  • Big-headed ants – As you might have guessed, these ants have abnormally large heads compared to the rest of their bodies. They are reddish-brown in color and range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in size. 

  • Ghost ants – Like ghosts, these ants appear to have transparent limbs. They are a combination of brown and pale yellow in color and measure just 1/16 inch in length. When crushed, ghost ants emit a foul odor.

None of these ants are especially dangerous, although some may contaminate food and surfaces around the home. There might be some things around your home that are unintentionally attracting them.

What Attracts Ants?

Like rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and virtually every other pest that makes its way into your home, ants are primarily attracted to reliable sources of food and water. Depending on the species, some ants may prefer sweets, while others are hungry for protein. But it’s almost always food that draws ants to your home first.

Sources of standing water or excess moisture are also attractive to ants. Gaps around pipes, cracks in the foundation, and loose or faulty weather stripping are all common ways that ants find their way indoors. Ants are vigilant scavengers, and once they find a way in, the rest will soon follow.

How To Prevent Ants

Ants are tough to get rid of but relatively easy to prevent. You don’t have to buy any expensive equipment or fancy gadgets. All you really need to do to prevent ants from infesting your home is to stay consistent with basic sanitation.

  • Dispose of trash properly. Put all waste in trash bags inside a bin with a tight-fitting lid. Don’t allow trash to build up indoors and keep outdoor bins at least 20 feet away from the house.

  • Clean up often. Wipe down surfaces where you cook and eat after use. Mop, sweep, and vacuum floors regularly to get rid of crumbs and spills. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink and don’t leave half-eaten food out.

  • Reduce water access. Seal up any leaky pipes, spigots, or faucets causing water to drip. Dump out any standing water around your property.

  • Close entrances. Replace damaged or old weather stripping and door sweeps. Fill any gaps or cracks around pipes or along your house’s foundation with silicone caulk.

The best way to deal with an ant infestation on your Bradenton home is with help from the pros at Keller’s Pest Control. Since 1996, we’ve been solving pest problems for customers like you with friendly, dependable, and effective service. Contact us today for your free estimate. 

Tags: ants in bradenton | ant control | ant identification |

 

Request Your Free Estimate Today

Complete the form below to request your no obligation estimate.

 

Keller's Reviews

And these are just a few! View our many reviews below: