Tiny but mighty, ants are resilient creatures, and they can be a nuisance year-round. However, they tend to be particularly active during the fall season as they search for food and shelter to prepare for the upcoming winter. Aside from feeding on and contaminating food sources they may come across, some ants can also deliver painful bites.
With a proactive approach and Nvirotect Pest Control Services, the best pest control in Tampa, you can protect your home and business from ant invasions this fall.
Types of Ants Commonly Found in Tampa
Ants are easily recognizable by their narrow body, antennae, and six legs. They are social creatures that tend to stay in colonies and travel together. While worker ants may be sent out to find food sources, you can find the majority of the colony inside the nest.
In Florida, there are multiple types of ants that could be found attempting to take up residence in your home. Identifying these ant species and understanding their behaviors is crucial for effective pest management from Nvirotect Pest Control Services, your leading Tampa pest control company.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the most well-known and potentially destructive ant species. These large ants, typically black or reddish-brown in color, are often mistaken for termites due to their nesting habits. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead, they dig through wooden structures to create their nests. This behavior can lead to significant structural damage if left unchecked.
Carpenter ants are usually found in moist or decaying wood, making them a more common issue in Floridian homes, where there are high humidity levels.
Ghost Ants
This spooky season, ghouls and goblins are not the only scary creatures to keep an eye out for. Ghost ants are named due to their pale, nearly translucent bodies and legs. These tiny ants, usually measuring just 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters in length, can be challenging to spot within the home. Ghost ants are known for their preference for sweet foods and moisture-rich environments.
They are notorious for invading kitchens and bathrooms, and their tiny size allows them to access even the most inconspicuous entry points.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are an invasive species of small, light to dark brown ants, measuring around 2.2 to 2.6 millimeters in length. These ants are known for their remarkable ability to form massive supercolonies, often stretching for miles.
While Argentine ants may seem harmless, their enormous numbers and aggressive behavior towards other ant species can disrupt local ecosystems and pose a threat to other native insects. They are opportunistic feeders and may enter homes in search of sugary and protein-rich food sources.
Preventing Against Ants in Your Home
As temperatures drop, ants seek refuge from the cold and start looking for shelter and food sources. They are skilled at finding even the tiniest cracks and openings in your home. Once they gain access, they can quickly establish colonies in your walls, under your floors, or in any other suitable location, making them difficult to eradicate without the best pest control in Tampa from Nvirotect Pest Control Services.
To help prevent ants from making your home their own, ensure that you:
- Maintain a Clean Environment: One of the most effective ways to deter ants from entering your home is to keep it clean. Ensure that your kitchen is free of food crumbs and spills, promptly clean up after meals, and store food in airtight containers. Ants are especially attracted to sweet, greasy, and sugary foods.
- Seal Entry Points: Ants are adept at finding the tiniest cracks and crevices to enter your home. Conduct a thorough inspection of your property, sealing any holes in your foundation, walls, around doors and windows and/or baseboard gaps. Using caulk and weather stripping can help keep them out.
- Landscaping Maintenance: Trim trees and shrubs away from your home, as branches can serve as bridges for ants to reach your structure. Keep your outdoor area free of debris and overgrown vegetation to reduce potential nesting sites.
- Professional Pest Control: If you suspect an ant infestation or want to take preventive measures to ensure your home remains ant-free this fall, it is always a wise choice to consult professionals. Nvirotect Pest Control Services offers eco-friendly and effective pest control solutions that are Green-Certified, ensuring the safety of your family and pets.
Removing Ants With Nvirotect Pest Control Services
As a green-certified Tampa pest control company, Nvirotect Pest Control Services will take the time to thoroughly locate ant nests and ensure that the ants are removed from your home without compromising the safety of your family. Contact Nvirotect Pest Control Services today to learn more about the best pest control in Tampa to protect your property.
