In Utah, there are more than 150 different species that can be found. Each of them prefers different kinds of food and environments, therefore knowing which species is your home can be difficult without professional help. Ants in your home or place of business can not only prove a nuisance but they are also dirty and unhealthy and can cause damage to your building and nearby structures, and should be taken care of immediately. The different kinds of ants found in this area include:
- Carpenter ants: These ants are among the worst ones to have in your buildings because they burrow into the wood and cause damage to the structure. They are usually all black and larger than other species. These ants may leave evidence of infestation with wood shavings near the area or hearing noises in the walls and doors. You may also be able to see any coming in and out of the wood.
- Field ants: Field ants are one of the largest species in Utah and are more of a nuisance since they are usually just searching for food when they are inside. These can respond with painful bites when they are threatened or distrubed.
- Pavement ants: This type of ants is usually found on areas with pavement or asphalt and may find ways into your home or building through cracks in your foundation.
- Velvety tree ants: These ants match their name and are fuzzy when you look close at them. These buggers can chew through wood to get into your building.
- Harvester ants: These ants are more apparent in the summers since they enjoy the heat and prefer being outside. These ants are also referred to as fire ants because they can sting and cause allergic reactions.
Reasons You May Have Ants
There are a number of reasons why ants find ways inside your home, but there’s a good chance they are looking for food. They need to eat to survive and feed their young just as any other species of bugs or animals. As a result, kitchens or break rooms are one of the most common places ants are seen. They usually get in through a cracked window or door, or other holes from wiring and pipes. Oftentimes it doesn’t matter how clean or dirty the building is, it may just be close to where the ant queen decided to set up camp.
How to Get Rid of Ants?
The best way to get rid of ants for good regardless of if they are indoors or outdoors is to find the source of the attraction and the rest of the colony. Ants usually travel in large numbers and in colonies, and usually only a small handful are apparent in your home while the rest are close by but not necessarily seen. This is why pest control could be so beneficial with eliminating any infestation. The few ants you have seen are rarely all of them and pest control experts know where to look. Pest control companies also have treatment options capable of eliminating all different types of ants, whereas store bought chemicals may only target one or two different species and not affect the rest.
At Columbia Pest Control, we can offer our professional opinions about the source of your ant problem, treatment options, and preventative measures. Leave it to us to find the best option for your ant situation and rid the problem all together.
Can I Prevent an Ant Problem in the Future?
Any problems can be hard to prevent since they can happen just about anywhere, inside and outside. One way to lower the risk of seeing an army in your home or business however is to clean up crumbs and extra food as often as you can. Also making sure all cracks and holes around your home or building are sealed will help keep ants and other pests out of your home. Pet food is a popular attraction for many species of ants as well, so making sure these containers are sealed and that there are none sitting out will be beneficial. The last thing you can do to make sure you don’t have an ant problem in the future is to fix any leaks or drainage issues in or around your building. Ants rely on moisture to survive and are drawn to areas with the most.
Ant Control Near You
We have developed the best ant control program around and are dedicated to ensuring your family’s safety by removing such pests from your home. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with our pest control experts at Columbia Pest Control and get rid of your ant problem once and for all.