Am I Dealing With An Ant Infestation?
A few species of ants in Pensacola are common household invaders; these species include fire ants, pharaoh ants, and Argentine ants.
Fire ants are an ant species that are small, red, invasive, and notorious for their painful sting. You may notice large mounds in soil or sand where the fire ants nest on your property. They can access your Pensacola home's inside through air-conditioning units and damaged window screens.
Pharaoh ants, so named for the myth that they were part of the biblical plagues of Egypt, are found throughout the United States. They are pale yellow to red and smaller than their fire ant counterparts. Outdoors, pharaoh ants will reside beneath yard debris, where they can seek out darkness and protection. Pharaoh ants in your home are rarely seen in large numbers, as they tend to live within wall voids, beneath floorboards, and around electrical wiring. A few pharaoh ants may be spotted as they scout for food for the rest of the colony.
Argentine ants are shiny and range from dark brown to black. They nest in moist areas, such as beneath logs or stones. If conditions are not favorable outside, Argentine ants can invade your home. Inside, they live around plumbing and house plants. Argentine ants enter homes by using nearby shrubs, trees, and utility poles as ladders. Argentine ant infestations are more evident than fire ants or pharaoh ants, as they march in large numbers to and from food sources. These ants deposit tracking pheromones to and from their food to track where they have been. During an infestation, Argentine ant trails will be obvious.
What To Do When Preparing For Professional Ant Control Treatments
For the best ant control results, it is important for homeowners to partner with a professional company. You should ensure your home is clean and tidy before the pest control technicians arrive and keep food and food preparation tools covered and stored away. Proper prep work can guarantee that pest control treatments go smoothly.
The Best Way To Prevent Future Ant Infestations
Pest control starts with prevention. Prevention can save you from expensive treatments and repairs in the future. For ant control in your yard and your home, the following simple tips can go a long way:
- Keep floors and surfaces clean and free of crumbs and spills.
- Eliminate standing water and excess humidity inside and outside.
- Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from the house.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.
- Do not leave pet food out.
- Store food in airtight containers.
Homeowners can take easy preemptive steps to stop ant infestations before they begin.
Let EnviroGuard Help With Your Ant Problem
If an ant infestation is already underway, then working with an expert pest control in Pensacola is a must. EnviroGuard is a pest control company you can trust with over 40 years of combined service under our belt. Our treatments are environmentally-friendly and always keep your family's best interest at the forefront. Not only do we offer extermination treatments for current infestations, but we also perform long-term preventative treatments. With our free quotes and inspections, you can't go wrong with EnviroGuard. For expert ant control near you, reach out to EnviroGuard.