Ants
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Ants

What are ants?

ants on a counter top

Ants are social insects that live together in large groups. In fact, some species may have more than a million members in a single colony. Ants are a big problem in Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Their large colony size and ability to maintain multiple nesting sites makes them a formidable pest for local home and business owners to contend with. There are more than 10,000 ant species worldwide, with most of them living in tropical areas away from civilization. However, many others live close to people.

Some of the most common species to invade our properties include the Argentine ant, fire ant, raspberry crazy ant, ghost ant, harvester ant, odorous house ant, pharaoh ant, acrobat ant, white-footed ant, thief ant, and the pavement ant.

The main characteristics of ants include:

  • Three body segments — head, thorax, and abdomen
  • Two compound eyes
  • Constricted waist
  • Elbowed antennae
  • Powerful mouthparts they use for chewing, grasping, biting, and carrying
  • A hard, waterproof exoskeleton covered in spiracles (tiny holes that allow these insects to breathe)
  • Wings only on reproductive members (queens and males)

Ant colonies are formed and headed by a queen. The queen's job is to create viable eggs, mate with males, and produce more ants to maintain the colony. The male ant's only job is to reproduce with the queen. The worker ants are the member of the colony most commonly seen by people; these ants are sterile females and responsible for foraging for food, caring for the developing ants, and protecting and maintaining the nest.

Are ants dangerous?

Several species of ants pose threats to both people and our property, including:

  • Fire ants and harvester ants are aggressive and deliver painful bites and venom-filled stings to people and animals.
  • The Pharaoh ant spreads things like salmonella and streptococcus. They are a significant concern and a problem in hospitals because of the diseases they spread and the moisture they seek from patients' eyes, mouths, wounds, and IV bags.
  • Carpenter ants invade and nest within structural wood, causing costly and extensive damage.

 While most of the ants invading our homes are nuisance ants, it's important to remember they also cause significant problems, including spreading bacteria across surfaces and contaminating food. Additionally, ants are a frustrating pest that seems to appear out of nowhere and keep appearing despite our best efforts to keep them out. 

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants become a problem in our homes after seeking out food and shelter. If the weather suddenly becomes too dry, hot, rainy, or chilly, ants migrate indoors. Common entry points that ants frequently use to enter homes, businesses, and other structures include openings around door thresholds, windows, and the gaps where utility pipes and wires enter buildings. They also move inside through cracks, gaps, or vulnerable points they discover in the foundation and through damaged door trim.

Another problem associated with ants is their ability to "bud" when disturbed or threatened. Budding is when a team of worker ants brings a queen and some young ants from the colony to a new nesting site, expanding the colony and ensuring its survival. An ant's ability to bud makes controlling these pests difficult without the help of a professional.

Where will I find ants?

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Why Choose White Knight Pest Control?

  • Expansive Service Area
    We have local offices in several states ensuring accessibility to quality pest control wherever you are!
  • 18+ Years in Business
    Our goal as a business continues to be building trusting relationships with our customers & local communities.
  • Customized Treatment Plans
    Every home and business is unique! We will tailor a pest control plan to fit your specific needs and budget.
  • Pest Specific Treatment Options
    Whether you're looking for general pest control or targeting one pest specifically, we've got you covered.

How can I prevent ants in the future?

At White Knight Pest Control, we will help you prevent ant problems through our ongoing pest control treatments. In conjunction with our comprehensive services, the following prevention tips will help you keep ants out of your Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, or Oklahoma. home!

  • Remove food sources: Regularly vacuum and wipe down counters. Take out the trash and wash dirty dishes daily. Store food in containers with airtight lids or in the fridge. 
  • Maintain outdoor attractants: Outside, keep lids on trash cans and compost bins. Store pet food in metal containers with lids and pick up uneaten pet food between feedings. Maintain gardens and outdoor dining areas.
  • Reduce excess moisture: Moisture attracts many types of ants and other pests. Cut overgrown vegetation away from your home's exterior to allow the sun to hit the ground and keep it dry. Maintain a crushed rock barrier (12-18 inches) between the soil and foundation of your home. Repair any leaky hoses and fixtures. Maintain your gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the outside walls of your home. 
  • Lower humidity levels: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to dry out damp areas of your home. Properly ventilate crawl spaces to eliminate excess moisture.
  • Eliminate entry points: Inspect the foundation and exterior doors, sealing any gaps you find. Place door sweeps on exterior and basement doors. Repair damaged door trim. Install screens in open windows and doors.

Helpful Ant Articles

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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    "Anthony was A1. Treated outside and inside of the house. Just great overall!"
    Michael H.
    "Very happy with my initial service!"

    Austin took care of the outside and inside of my home and answered all my questions about maintaining what he had done until the next visit. He was polite and knowledgeable of the area and what I might see after the service and how to address it.

    Tracey S.
    "Nothing short of exceptional!"

    Thanks to Christopher and the White Knight team, my pest problem was resolved effectively and efficiently. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and top-notch pest control.

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    "Highly recommended!"

    I’ve been using White Knight Pest Control for 5 years. They always provide the best service and the techs are very knowledgeable. Our family is able to enjoy the inside and outside of our home without ever worrying about bugs, especially at night.

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    Mr. Rose went above and beyond in service. He took care outside and inside of the house, plus checked our bait boxes located around the house. He was very professional!! I think White Knight Pest Control has a good asset to have Mr. Rose in the company.

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    He was very informative. He was also polite, respectable and reassuring. I really appreciate him coming out even in the rain.

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    Our technician, Candice did a fantastic job. She was very thorough in spraying around the areas that were necessary. She listened very intently to the instructions and you could tell that she was very in tune with the job and what she does.

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    This company seems to have it right with service and customer interaction. Kristopher, from White Knight stopped by my home for my regular pest control service. He introduced himself and was very polite, professional, and friendly.

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