As members of the Formicidae family, ants are common pests found in Mississippi that are known for acting as uninvited guests at picnics, barbeques, and other outdoor activities involving food. Ants have three separate body segments, including the abdomen, head, and thorax, and have six legs. These pests may appear in many different colors, including black, brown, yellow, and red.
Ants typically reside in massive colonies with hundreds or thousands of other members. The colonies usually consist of separate castes or categories of ants based on their primary function or area of responsibility, such as gathering food, defending the nest, and furthering the species through reproduction.
How many types of ants are there in the world today? Although reports sometimes vary, an estimated 12,000 various species of ants exist worldwide today. Ants exist in most areas of the world except Antarctica, Iceland, and some remote islands.
Has a group of ants invaded your home? An experienced Baldwyn pest control professional maintains the proper equipment and the knowledge for how to get rid of ants inside homes and the best preventative measures. Minor ant intrusions often quickly progress into full-blown infestations; therefore, seeking assistance from a professional exterminator is likely the best course of action for completely ousting these pests.
Common Types Of Ants That Invade Baldwyn Homes
There are various types of ants that will invade homes in this region, typically after discovering that sources of food exist. Among the most common include:
- Argentine ants: Although they usually reside outdoors, Argentine ants may travel indoors seeking shelter. They typically appear in shades of brown or black and prefer areas with sufficient moisture.
- Fire ants: Red imported fire ants have a reddish-brown appearance and generally act aggressively. Fire ants may deliver a painful sting that may result in allergic reactions among those with certain sensitivities.
- Pavement ants: Known for creating nests below driveways and sidewalks, pavement ants appear either dark brown or black and measure roughly two millimeters in length.
- Carpenter ants: As large ants with a dark appearance, carpenter ants can create potentially costly property damage by burrowing through wooden structures. Unlike termites that consume wood, carpenter ants are omnivorous creatures that consume other insects and various plant-based materials.
- Odorous house ants: Aptly named because they emit a pungent odor when crushed, odorous house ants may form massive colonies or networks of colonies consisting of many queens.
As social creatures, ants use pheromone chemicals as a means of communication. For this reason, soon after identifying a food source, other ants from the colony usually begin appearing in droves following the pheromonal trails.
The Many Problems Ants Can Create In Your Home
Are ants poisonous? The majority of ant species pose minimal risks to human health; however, they commonly contaminate sources of food and may spread bacteria as they travel. Based on the large number of ants that may invade a property, homeowners may find that infestations become overwhelming.
Why Do-It-Yourself Ant Control Usually Fails
What can I use to kill ants? Online retail and local home-improvement stores promote a variety of ant control products such as sprays, traps, and baiting stations. Unfortunately, the majority of these options prove incapable of completely ousting significant intrusions by ants. In addition, some of these store-bought products might contain harsh chemicals that pose health risks.
Contact The Professionals For Total Ant Control For Your Home
Did you know that the local specialists with McCary Pest Control also provide services for eliminating cockroaches, rodents, termites, and other troublesome and potentially noxious pests? Our technicians also complete rigorous initial and ongoing training that ensures safety. Contact our office today to schedule a detailed onsite property inspection.