Ants are a pest that no one wants to encounter in their home or business, but, sadly, they are a frequent problem. Ants are extremely invasive, and when you try to remove them, it can seem like they come in a neverending supply. Most ants in Jacksonville aren’t exactly dangerous, but they can still cause major concerns if they invade your property. And, certain species do pose health or property risks. Find out more about ant control in this guide.
Common Ants In Jacksonville
When identifying ants, it’s important to separate the more risky ones from the less problematic ones, but keep in mind that even nuisance ants can have large colonies and be challenging to remove. Almost all ant species will invade and contaminate food sources as well.
Some of the common nuisance ants in the area include odorous house ants known for the smell of rotting coconuts they emit when crushed, and pavement ants usually seen near sidewalks coming out of dirt piles.
Then, there are the more dangerous species. These include carpenter ants which are a dark brown color and will tunnel through wooden structures. Also concerning are orange-colored fire ants that deliver painful stings. Lastly, pharaoh ants are a yellowish color and can spread diseases and harmful pathogens.
What Is Attracting Ants To My Property?
The truth is that ants are just very widespread. There are many different species in Jacksonville, and the chances of dealing with ants at some point or another are high. However, certain factors can increase your risk of having an ant infestation.
Mainly, ants seek out places that have a good amount of humidity. This can include having moisture problems around your yard as well as inside the building. They also are drawn in by having easy access to food sources. Ants will eat all kinds of things and can be attracted to fallen fruits or old vegetables in your garden. They can also get inside kitchens and eat all kinds of stored items in pantries and cupboards.
Six Effective Ant Control Tips
While ant control can be difficult, you can help keep your property ant-free by taking steps to reduce the elements that attract them. These are some of the most effective things you can do:
- Address moisture issues around the yard by removing standing water and ensuring that rainwater can drain. Address moisture problems inside by fixing leaky plumbing and using dehumidifiers.
- Keep your yard trimmed and clear of organic debris like old produce, leaf litter, and grass clippings.
- Make it more difficult for ants to get inside by fixing broken and torn screens and installing door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Practice good trash storage habits by taking out the trash often and getting lids for all trash cans.
- Clean kitchens regularly and wipe up spills immediately.
- Contact local ant control experts.
How Pest Professionals Can Help
Once inside, ants are especially difficult to remove as they can have large colonies hiding behind walls, underground, or in other hard-to-reach places. Even nuisance species can be nearly impossible to eradicate alone, but the experts at Trad’s Pest Control are here to help. Our pest control services include both ant prevention and removal options, so give us a call today to get started.