Identifying Common Ant Species
One thing almost all homes in Waldorf have in common is occasional visits from ants. Numerous ant species are known to plague Waldorf homes, and while all are a nuisance, many species bring other concerning problems that will require effective ant control treatments.
Ants in Waldorf that commonly invade homes include the following species:
- Carpenter ants measure between 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long; many are black but can also be red, brown, or a mixture of red and black.
- Crazy ants measure between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, usually dark brown or black with a gray luster. Their legs and antennae are very long.
- Odorous house ants measure between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long; they’re black or brown and give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed.
- Pavement ants typically measure 1/8 of an inch long and are dark brown or black.
- Pharaoh ants usually only grow to be around 1/16 of an inch long and are pale yellow or reddish, with a dark belly.
- Rover ants typically measure 1/16 of an inch long and are black or dark brown to pale yellow with long hairs on their body.
No matter what kinds of ants find their way into your home, they’ll be hard to remove without professional pest services from an experienced company like Mike’s Pest and Termite Control. Our experts can quickly identify ants and recommend effective ant pest control treatments.
The Health Risks Of An Ant Infestation
Ants may seem harmless, but even these tiny insects can affect your health. Most ants, including the odorous house ants, pavement ants, and rover ants, contaminate surfaces and foods. Even more concerning are the ants that can hurt you or your property.
They may not work as quickly as termites, but carpenter ants are well-known for their ability to tunnel through wood. Infestations that go unchecked can wreak havoc on your home.
Another dangerous ant is the pharaoh's ant. This ant is responsible for spreading diseases such as streptococcus, salmonellosis, clostridium, and staphylococcus. For homeowners to protect themselves from the health risks associated with an ant infestation, it’s important to enlist help from a pest professional like Mike’s Pest and Termite Control for effective ant control in Waldorf.
Prevention Is Critical To Successful Ant Control
Ants in Waldorf always hunt for food and moisture, so keeping homes clean and dry is paramount to stopping ants from coming indoors. Implementing simple prevention techniques can prove critical to successful ant control around homes.
Ant prevention tips that can lead to successful ant control include:
- Clean up food crumbs and spills quickly.
- Keep garbage bins clean and emptied regularly.
- Don’t leave food out (store it in airtight containers).
- Trim overhanging branches, remove excess vegetation, and clean up yard debris.
- Caulk or use weatherstripping to seal cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps in your exterior walls and foundation.
- Fix plumbing issues indoors and drainage issues outdoors.
Initiating prevention measures around your home to ward off ants is always wise, but these tenacious little creatures are hard to hold back when looking for food and water. If your prevention measures seem ineffective, it’s time to call in the professionals at Mike’s Pest and Termite Control; we offer ant pest control services near you, which allows us to respond quickly.
The Solution To Total Ant Control In Waldorf
To ensure Waldorf homes receive total ant control solutions, homeowners should use a pest control company with lots of local experience – how does 20+ years sound? Mike’s Pest and Termite Control is a family-owned and locally operated company thoroughly familiar with the pests that frequent the Waldorf community. Our customer-centric company provides customers with high-quality solutions for their current pest problems and educational information to prevent future pests. Contact Mike’s Pest and Termite Control today for a free inspection; we’ll develop a plan specific to your needs, put that plan into motion, and guarantee our results.