Since it’s not unusual to see ants in College Station, TX homes and businesses, people presume that ants are harmless. Property owners aren’t alarmed if they spot a few here and there. They aren’t in any hurry to eliminate the bugs, but they should be. Ants are actually pretty dangerous since they crawl about with cells of bacteria on their skin. The microbes can trigger illness in humans. Further, some subspecies can wreck buildings and personal belongings.
It’s wise to read about local classes of ants. By learning about their appearance and behavioral patterns, you’ll gain insight into their risk factors. Moreover, you’ll understand how to prevent them with assistance from D. Lee Pest Services.
What Ants Are Common in College Station? What Are the Hazards?
Fire, carpenter, and little black ants are dominant in the region. Fire ants are 0.06 to 0.20 of an inch long. Black stingers cap the bottom of their reddish-brown bodies. Flourishing in warmth and natural matter, they spend their time under the sun in grass, sod, plants, and landscaping. Eventually, they’ll form visible mounds in soil and dirt. All of these activities wreck yards. Though they’re considered outdoor bugs, they won’t shy away from entering a human dwelling. Skin inflammation and allergic reactions can occur with their bites. Red and itchy bumps will surface, followed by a burning sensation and scarring. If you feel nauseous and sweaty, seek medical attention immediately.
Carpenter ants are a sizable 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long. The wood-eating pests come in an array of colors, including black, red, reddish-black, tan, brown, yellow, and orange. Akin to termites, there are flying swarmers in their colonies. Materials will be ruined as they build nesting tunnels in it. They usually victimize logs, trees, and lumber. You’ll have shaky foundations once they’re done with your place. If you see a swarmer, find piles of wood shavings, have hollow walls, or hear rustling behind structures, these are good signs you have an infestation.
Little black ants rightfully have their name. The tiny creepy crawlers are just 0.06 of an inch long with black skin. In residential zones, you’ll find them around sidewalks, trees and logs, lumber, bricks, and rocks. They'll penetrate your property through foundation cracks. Once inside, they’ll settle in voids or fixate on woodwork. Among the things they consume are other pests, meat, vegetables, sugar, and grease.
What Can Be Done to Prevent College Station Ants?
Ants are very hard to manage because they can get through small holes and procreate at a fast pace. It will be overwhelming to stop a takeover once it starts, so you have to be diligent about preventative protocols. The main thing will be to reduce their food and water sources by:
- Sealing crevices in doors, windows, foundations, utilities, and wires
- Having moisture complications resolved
- Seeing that window screens and door sweeps are installed
- Cleaning dishes, countertops, cabinets, and beneath appliances in detail regularly
- Vacuuming carpeting and taking out the trash often
- Putting food and garbage in secure containers
- Getting up food messes right away
- Distancing wood and greenery two feet from the property
- Keeping loose wood, like carpentry panels, off of the soil
How Will D. Lee Pest Services Handle College Station Ants?
With D. Lee Pest Services, you’ll receive thorough interior and exterior service. For instance, our expert technicians will examine bedrooms, baseboards, and property perimeters. They’ll use fast-acting industrial-grade solutions to eradicate ant populations in your home. Examples are granular and spray treatments to create protective barriers. All of our treatments are safe and recurring visits are available. Get a free inspection when you contact us today at D. Lee Pest Services!