Sooner or later, every homeowner has to deal with ants. These determined insects seem to find their way into even the cleanest, most secure homes and can be a pain to control once an infestation has developed. There are many different species of ants that call Dallas home that can contaminate your food, prevent you from enjoying time outdoors, and generally pester you and your family. Having ants is a question of when not if. So, you’ve got to be ready to deal with ants in your Dallas home.
Types Of Ants In Dallas
There are many types of ants that are indigenous to the Dallas area as well as a few invasive species that have become dominant in recent years. Here’s a look at a few of the most common ant species you might find on your property.
Carpenter Ants – These large ants love to infest moist, decaying wood. Carpenter ants are the largest of the home-invading ants, measuring up to ½ inch in size. They can vary in coloration from solid black to combinations of red, brown, and black. Over time, carpenter ants can damage the structure of your home.
Crazy Ants – As their name implies, crazy ants behave erratically. They move in unpredictable, random patterns and are known to boldly scurry onto people and pets without warning. These pests can contaminate food and even cause electrical shortages from infesting electronic equipment.
Fire Ants – Also known as red imported fire ants (RIFAs), these bugs are literally a pain to have around. Fire ants are known for their aggression and painful sting, attacking anything that trespasses on their territory. They are usually found outdoors but will come inside if a food source is found. If you have children or pets, a fire ant infestation in your yard can make it difficult to play safely.
Pharaoh Ants – These minuscule ants are especially difficult to deal with. Measuring as small as 1/32 of an inch, pharaoh ants are voracious eaters that can squeeze through the smallest of spaces. They will contaminate your food with pathogens such as salmonella bacteria. Not to mention, they are resistant to pesticides and will actually split off and form new colonies if store-bought chemicals are used to eliminate them.
While each of these ants presents their own problems, they all share one thing in common: They are tough to get rid of once they get in.
How Do Ants Get Into My Home?
Scouting ants explore their territory in search of food and water. These scouts are dedicated to their work and will slip through the tiniest of spaces on their quest. Cracks and gaps around the exterior of your property are often to blame for letting ants in. Once a scout has found a worthy source of food, it’s only a matter of time before a swarm of worker ants arrives to carry food back to the colony.
Preventing Ants In Your Home
Making your home less attractive to ants and preventing them from entering is a straightforward process that just takes time and consistency. Here are a few things you can do to control the ant population in your home:
- Dispose of trash – Make sure there is no food waste accumulating in your home. Take the trash out regularly and make sure to use a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Practice cleanliness – Wipe down the areas where you eat and prepare food. Mop floors and vacuum to ensure that no food particles are left behind.
- Use proper storage – Keep your pantry foods stored in sturdy containers with a sealing lid. Plastic, glass, or metal containers are all good options for keeping ants out.
- Seal cracks and gaps – Inspect your property for cracks in your foundation or other openings. Seal with caulk or sealant putty as needed. Consider replacing your weather stripping or door sweeps as well.
The best thing you can do to prevent ants in your home is to get professional assistance. At White Knight Pest Control, we will treat both the interior and exterior of your home for common pests like ants, eliminating them at the source. Contact us today for your free estimate.