Ants are a bigger problem than most people realize. The idea that they’re harmless because of their dainty size and prevalence is misguided. These pests can bring illness into your home with their bodily germs and damage your belongings. Certain species are particularly troublesome. Carpenter ants will go after structures, odorous house ants in San Antonio give painful bites, and getting rid of pharaoh ants is a challenging task.
You can learn the trick to killing odorous house ants and fellow subgroups with a bit of study. EnviroGuard has powerful ant control solutions at your disposal.
The Types Of Ants That Invade San Antonio Properties
Pharaoh, carpenter, and odorous house ants are three of many species in the city. Pharaoh ants are 0.12 of an inch long and yellow-brown. Red and black splotches adorn their abdominal area. Droves of them are often in meal packages and boxes, pantries, and pipe chases. Like lots of bugs, ants fixate on human dwellings because of the availability of warmth, food, and water. You’ll know there’s an active invasion if you spot their amber-colored workers. Getting rid of pharaoh ants is complicated because they’re resilient.
On average, carpenter ants are black. However, multitudes are orange, reddish-black, brown, yellow, tan, or red. Regarding size, they’re an unusual 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long. Wings are attached to the reproductive swarmers. Buildings will be in peril with these bugs around because they construct tunnels and nests in wood. Among the specific items that draw them are trees, logs, and lumber. With time, your foundations may deteriorate significantly. Seeing swarmers, finding wood shavings, having hollow-sounding walls, and hearing soft sounds from inside structures are major infestation signs.
Odorous house ants live very true to their name. The black or brown bugs are 0.12 of an inch long. Being attracted to humidity and moisture, these insects will bunch up near heaters, water utilities, and similar. They also typically settle in carpeting, floor crevices, paneling, and structural voids. If you’re bitten by one, it will be fairly painful. Seeing them means you have an infestation. When killing odorous house ants, you’ll notice a rotten coconut smell.
The Problems Ants Can Cause On Your San Antonio Property
Odorous house ants in San Antonio and other subgroups can taint your food and surfaces with the bacteria they have on their skin. Microbes exist in their waste and saliva as well. These insects are associated with conditions like salmonella and E. coli.
Five Natural Ways To Keep Ants Away From Your San Antonio Property
Popular “at home” remedies that people often apply to ant entry points and hubs include:
- Mixed vinegar and water
- Citrus
- Essential oils
- Coffee grounds
- Borax
The effectiveness of these methods isn’t consistent enough to be beneficial toward infestations. Preventative protocols are the best course of action:
- Patch up openings in wires, utilities, windows, doors, and foundations. Try using caulk.
- Fix leaks and moisture complications right away.
- Verify that door sweeps and window screens are in good condition.
- Clean the kitchen with detail and wash dishes frequently.
- Remove garbage and vacuum carpeting on a routine basis.
- Use secure containers for food and trash storage.
- Wipe up food spills promptly.
- Distance wood and greenery from the property by two feet.
- Keep loose wood, like fire logs, off of the soil.
The Best Way To Protect Your San Antonio Home From Ants
Commercial goods, “do it yourself” tactics, and other solo ant control solutions can’t be relied on. They’re no match for invasions, and they can be somewhat toxic. At EnviroGuard, we have eco-friendly treatments for interiors and exteriors that are industrial-grade. Call today for a free quote!