Do you like ants? Maybe you don't mind them as they aren't as scary as pests like spiders, or perhaps you find these insects rather disgusting. While most ants are considered nuisance pests, some pose health risks or cause property damage. Plus, even the least dangerous ants can still be invasive and get into food sources around your house.
Ants in Columbus are some of the most prevalent pests in the area, and throughout the country, so all people benefit from taking preventive steps against them. Learn practical ant control tips from the pros in this guide.
The Different Types Of Ants That Invade Columbus Homes
There are two main categories of ants: nuisance ants and troublesome ants. The nuisance species include odorous house ants and pavement ants. These species might not pose risks to your health, but they are still very difficult to eradicate. The odorous house ant is easily identified by the scent of rotten coconuts it emits when crushed, while the pavement ant is best identified by its black color and the dirt mounds they create.
Next, there are the more worrisome ants. These include the dangerous pharaoh ant and the destructive carpenter ant. Pharaoh ants can transmit diseases and are often found in hospitals and homes. On the other hand, Carpenter ants damage wooden structures as they create their tunnels inside of wood, typically the wooden structures around your home.
Why An Ant Infestation In Your Home Can Be A Health Concern
Luckily, the vast majority of ants around Columbus aren't going to transmit diseases to you and your family. However, all ants will invade food sources if they can. They will get into pantries and refrigerators and eat everything from sweets to proteins to vegetables. They will even consume small crumbs and spills left behind.
But, while most ants aren't dangerous, the pharaoh ant can transmit diseases such as salmonella and staphylococcus. There's also the fire ant, which mostly lives outdoors but is still a threat to invade your home or pose danger in your yard. These ants are reddish-orange, and some people are allergic to their venom.
Five Easy And Effective Ant Prevention Tips For Around The House
If you're not currently dealing with ant infestations, now is the ideal time to be proactive. You can follow these five steps to deter ants:
- Seal entry points into the home. Focus on repairing broken screens and sealing cracks in the home's exterior.
- Remove moisture problems through plumbing repairs and removing standing water from around your yard.
- Place lids on the garbage cans both inside and outside of your property.
- Keep your kitchen as clean as possible. Wash the dishes regularly and wipe up any spills immediately.
- Contact Columbus ant control experts for ant treatments that offer ongoing protection.
Finally, know that the 1st Response Pest Management, LLC team is here to assist with ongoing home pest control to deter these invasive pests.
The Most Effective Ant Control For Columbus Homes
Even nuisance ants are nearly impossible to eradicate using DIY methods, as they can have sprawling colonies that contain thousands of ants. It's much easier to remove ants with help from Columbus pest control experts. Request a quote or learn more about ant removal by calling 1st Response Pest Management, LLC today.