The average ant colony consists of thousands of individual ants. These colonies are extremely organized and sophisticated—the members each have specific jobs and work together to survive and expand the colony. While ant colonies are fascinating in nature, you certainly don’t want to stumble upon one inside your home. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in Bradenton.
Several species of ant thrive in our warm, humid climate, and they will often enter homes in search of food and water. Ants can be difficult to prevent, but there are ways to reduce the factors that attract them. Read on to learn about common ants in Bradenton, what brings them into your home, and what you can do to keep them out.
Ant Species In Bradenton
There are several species of ant that call Bradenton home. Most of these species are merely nuisance pests and are otherwise harmless, but there are a couple that you should be especially wary of.
Here are some of the ants most commonly found in Florida:
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Ghost Ants - Named for their almost translucent abdomens and legs, ghost ants are small, pale ants that live in moderate-to-large colonies and are usually found in kitchens.
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Carpenter Ants - Carpenter ants are large, dark brown or black ants that tunnel through wood to create nests. While they are not dangerous, carpenter ants are destructive and will damage wooden structures.
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White-Footed Ants - Named for their light-colored feet, these small, dark ants are most active during the rainy season. They are considered a nuisance ant and are not harmful to people or property.
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Argentine Ants - Argentine ants are small, brown ants that live in large colonies and move quickly. They are considered trailing ants, as thousands will travel together looking for food sources.
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Caribbean Crazy Ants - Aptly named for their erratic, jerking movements, these reddish-brown ants live in large colonies with multiple queens, making them challenging to eradicate.
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Pharaoh Ants - Pharaoh ants are more than a nuisance. They carry dangerous diseases such as salmonellosis and streptococcus. These ants are about 1/16 of an inch long and have pale, yellowish bodies with darker abdomens.
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Red Imported Fire Ants - Fire ants are typically found in sunny areas of yards and are highly aggressive. These red ants will sting if disturbed, which causes a burning, itching sensation and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
Why & How Ants Get Inside
Ants can become a problem in virtually any home, but certain factors attract them to some properties over others. Ants need water to survive and will be drawn to homes with moisture or humidity issues, such as damp areas or leaky pipes. They are always on the lookout for food sources, so leaving crumbs on the floors and counters or letting trash pile up will often lead to an ant problem.
Ants can easily enter a home through the smallest openings. Gaps around door frames or window sills, small crevices or cracks in the walls, and openings around utility pipes can all provide easy access for ants. Due to their extremely small size, ants may seem impossible to keep out of your home. However, there are preventative measures you can take to help keep these tiny invaders at bay.
Ant Prevention Tips For Bradenton Homeowners
Ant prevention in Bradenton can be difficult, but there are a few things every homeowner should do to keep from attracting ants. To reduce the likelihood of an ant infestation in your home, follow these ant prevention tips:
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Address moisture issues in your home by fixing leaky pipes and using dehumidifiers.
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Seal any crevices, cracks, or holes on the exterior of your home.
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Maintain a clean home, especially the kitchen. Wipe down counters daily and mop floors regularly.
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Use trash cans with tight lids and dispose of garbage frequently.
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Use sealed containers for food storage and store fresh fruit in the refrigerator.
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Trim shrubs and tree branches to keep them away from your home.
These simple measures can go a long way to keeping your home ant-free, but if an ant problem does occur, be sure to call a licensed pest control professional.
Professional Ant Control In Bradenton
If your home has an ant infestation, the best way to deal with it is to call the professionals at Keller’s Pest Control. Keller’s Pest Control has proudly served the Bradenton area with quality pest control services since 1996. When you partner with us, you can count on our friendly and professional service, effective pest control solutions, and dependable scheduling (unlike others, we actually show up when we say we will!)
Whatever type of ant you are dealing with, Keller’s will quickly and effectively eliminate the entire population. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation ant control estimate.
