What are ants?
Ants are insects that are actually related to bees and wasps. There are many types of ants in our area, including carpenter ants, a wood-destroying species, and fire ants, which are among the most problematic. However, most species you will experience are nuisance ants, so they are more of an annoyance than a danger due to health concerns or damage like fire and carpenter ants, which are among our area's common property-infesting ants.
Are ants dangerous?
Carpenter ants don't bite, sting, or spread diseases but can create expensive damage as they tunnel through a home's structural wood. As they tunnel, carpenter ants also create dust, affecting allergies and asthma.
On the other hand, fire ants are very aggressive and will bite and sting if they feel threatened. Fire ants are a concern for people and animals but are also invasive, disrupting the ecosystems they invade.
Because of their aggressiveness, please don't wait to get professional fire ant control for your Houston home.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Food is the biggest reason ants become a problem on any residential property. Most ants that commonly infest homes in the area are known as sugar ants because they are attracted to sugary foods. But you could also invite them in with conducive conditions such as high moisture and entry points like cracks in the foundation.
Plus, carpenter ants are often an issue when there is rotting, water-damaged, or decaying wood on the property. They don't feed on the wood but create tunnels and nests for the colony.
Where will I find ants?
It may be challenging to spot carpenter ants where they nest, but like other nuisance species, they love sugary foods, so you may see them in kitchens.
In contrast, fire ants aren't so much an issue indoors as outside. While most species prefer to be in cool, shady areas, fire ants like to nest in sunny, open spaces. Because of where they choose to nest, it's too easy for people and animals to stumble upon them accidentally.
How do I get rid of ants?
The Bugstoppers can assist with your ant control needs! We understand how frustrating these pests are to deal with, so we ensure the job is done right the first time with all our residential and commercial pest control services.
Our trained technicians will inspect your property for signs of ants and the conditions attracting them. They will also locate where they are coming from. Once we have identified the species, we will develop an action plan to implement for interior and exterior ant control and prevention. We use different methods, including interior ant baits, spot and threshold treatments, and exterior barriers.
Get the services you need to get rid of fire ants and carpenter ants in Houston, plus any nuisance species you might be dealing with, from The Bugstoppers.
How can I prevent ants in the future?
While professional services are the most reliable way to keep ants away, these ant prevention tips are essential to protecting your home:
- Seal cracks in the foundation and other entry points on your home's exterior.
- Remove food sources by regularly cleaning kitchens and eating areas, securing garbage cans, and using food storage containers with tight lids.
- Reduce moisture in your yard and home by removing organic debris, keeping gutters from getting clogged, and using dehumidifiers.
Call The Bugstoppers for more ant prevention methods and info on how to get started with our services!