Baldwyn Homeowner's Guide To Ant Prevention
Fire, carpenter, thief, pavement, odorous, pharaoh, and Argentine. What do all these seemingly random words have in common? They're all species of ants found in Baldwyn! Unfortunately, ants are a common problem for Baldwyn homeowners.
Ant infestations are not only an annoyance, but they can also cause some serious issues. Preventing ant problems before they start can help keep your home safe from these pests. This article is your go-to guide for ant identification, ant prevention, and ant control in Baldwyn.
What Ants Live In Baldwyn?
At first glance, all ants may seem pretty much the same; they're small, segmented, and have antennae and six legs. However, there are several distinct species of ants in our area, all of which have unique characteristics and behaviors. Below, you'll find a brief overview of the most common ants in Baldwyn:
- Pavement Ants: Pavement ants are dark brown or black and about ⅛ inches long. They often nest in pavement, sidewalks, under stones, and inside masonry walls.
- Red Imported Fire Ants: Fire ants often build nests in residential yards. You can identify them by their reddish-brown coloring and characteristic mound nests. They're also known for stinging those who have the misfortune of disturbing their nests.
- Odorous House Ants: Named for the rotten coconut odor they produce when crushed, odorous house ants can be black or brown and are around ⅛ inches long.
- Argentine Ants: Argentine ants are shiny brown and measure 1/16 to 1/4 inches long. They live in large colonies; you may spot them traveling in trails consisting of large numbers of ants.
- Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are usually fairly large and may be brown, red, black, or a combination of red and black. These ants tunnel through wood to excavate their nests and can cause damage to wooden structures.
- Pharaoh Ants: You can identify pharaoh ants by their tiny size and yellow and black coloring. They are notorious for spreading diseases, including salmonellosis and streptococcus, especially in healthcare settings.
- Thief Ants: Thief ants are pale yellow and one of the smallest species of household ants. They earned their name from their tendency to steal food and larvae from other ant colonies.
Regardless of the species, ants have no place in Baldwyn homes. It's important to take steps to prevent and eliminate any infestations.
Essential Ant Prevention Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Ants are extremely common pests and can be difficult to deter. The food, water, and shelter of your home attracts ants, and their small size helps them to slip through tiny openings into your home. That said, there are a few things every homeowner can do to help prevent ants. Here are some essential ant prevention tips for Baldwyn homeowners:
- Inspect your home for gaps and cracks through which ants may enter, and seal them immediately.
- Fix any leaks or other moisture problems in the house.
- Clean up food crumbs from surfaces and floors.
- Keep tree branches and other vegetation away from your home's exterior.
- Properly store and dispose of garbage.
Implementing these measures can help make your home less attractive and accessible to ants. If ants do become a problem, professional ant control in your house may be necessary.
How To Identify An Ant Infestation
With most types of household ants, an infestation in your home is typically quite noticeable. You will likely come across groups of ants in your kitchen or other areas of the home. For some species, the signs of an infestation can be unique. For example, in the case of carpenter ants, you may notice holes in wood with a sawdust-like accumulation beneath them or hear a rustling sound coming from within wooden structures.
Signs of fire ants are also distinctive, as they are more likely to be a problem outdoors. The most common indication of a fire ant infestation is the presence of fire ant mounds in your yard. Regardless of the species, it's important to take action as soon as you become aware of an infestation. Learn who to contact for ant control solutions in the next section.
Why You Should Call McCary Pest Control For Ant Treatment In Baldwyn
In Baldwyn, your source for effective ant control is McCary Pest Control. We are a locally owned and operated company that has served the Baldwyn area since 1972. McCary Pest Control is a trusted name for pest control in Baldwyn. We provide free estimates, use eco-friendly products, and guarantee our services.
If your home or yard has an ant infestation, we have the ant control solution for you. Our technicians are certified, trained, and experienced in eliminating any type of ant from your property. We will provide service within 24 hours of you contacting us so that your home will be ant-free as soon as possible. For quality ant control in Baldwyn, don't hesitate to contact McCary Pest Control. Get started today with a free estimate.