Ants

What are ants?

A frequent invader of homes, ants are pests that homeowners battle regularly. At a glance, you may think that all ants look the same and behave the same, but the truth is they vary significantly in appearance, behavior, and nesting preferences. A few physical features that all ants do have in common are three body segments: six legs, a constricted waist, and bent antennae. Also, in an ant colony, only the reproductive members have wings. Some of the most common ants in our area of North Carolina are the Argentine ant, odorous house ant, fire ant, and Pharaoh ant.

Are ants dangerous?

All ants, whether dangerous or not, are unwanted pests. Ants invade in large numbers, are difficult to control, and contaminate food sources. Most species of ants that invade our homes are nuisance ants and pose no direct danger to people or our property. However, there are some species of dangerous ants out there that we need to be aware of. The fire ant, for instance, is a very dangerous species. They are capable of inflicting painful bites and venom-filled stings. The Pharaoh ant is another example of a dangerous ant. These ants spread salmonella and streptococcus and constitute a significant concern inside hospitals.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants will take advantage of any property that offers their colony easy access to food sources and safe shelter from predators and the elements. Food sources that attract ants to yards include open trash containers, pet food, and outdoor eating areas. Once on your property, they will make their way into your home through any cracks and crevices they find. Inside, you'll see ants traveling across the floors and kitchen counters foraging for food.

Where will I find ants?

Ants live and nest in a variety of areas depending on their specific species.

Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are moisture seeking pests and prefer to nest indoors. Inside, they like to nest in warm, humid areas near their food sources. Spaces behind baseboards, in wall voids, under floors, and in crawl spaces are typical nesting spots for these ants.

Fire Ants
Fire ants prefer to nest outside and rarely come inside structures. Common nesting sites for these aggressive ants include yards, parks, athletic fields, golf courses, and in the soil along rivers, ponds, and streams.

Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants will nest both indoors and outdoors. Inside they nest near areas of moisture like wall voids near hot water pipes or sinks, inside heaters, and in crawlspaces. They also like to place their nests in pieces of wood that were previously damaged by termites or other wood-damaging insects.

Argentine Ants
Argentine ants prefer to build their outdoor nests in damp soil. They nest along sidewalks, the foundations of buildings, under logs, or in piles of wood. Inside, Argentine ants nest behind walls, behind large appliances, or under floors.

How do I get rid of ants?

Eliminating household pests is a job best left to professionals. Get rid of ants and other household pests from your Wilmington area home with the help of the local experts at Jay Taylor Exterminating. With over 80 years of experience in the industry, we know how to get pests out and keep them out! We deliver high-quality pest control and exceptional customer service that you can count on.

For homeowners looking to maintain a pest-free household, reach out to Jay Taylor Exterminating Co. and learn about our residential pest control solutions!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Avoid attracting ants to your North Carolina property by implementing these ant prevention tips in and around your home:

• Regularly harvest fruits and vegetables from garden areas.

• Cut back overgrown vegetation away from your home's exterior.

• Leave a stone or rock barrier between any mulch or soil and the foundation of your home.

• Seal up cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Keep tight-fitting or locking lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.

• Repair leaky pipes and fixtures.

• Inside, store dry goods in containers with airtight lids.

• Regularly wipe down counters and vacuum your floors, paying particular attention to kitchen areas.

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