ANTS

ANTS (1)

Ant Control & Extermination Information

There are more than 700 ant species found in the United States, although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Small or large ants and brown or black ants are common nicknames for different species.

If you do find signs of an ant infestation in your home, contact us promptly. We will be able to inspect your home, perform proper ant species identification, and recommend a course of ant control and extermination.

Habits

Little black ant swarms are common from June to August, during which time they forage in trails and are frequently seen along sidewalks.

These small ants feed on grease, oil, meats, fruits, and vegetables such as corn meal and sweets. The workers also feed on other insects, honeydew and plant secretions.

Habitat

Little black ants are common in wooded areas. In yards, they nest under rocks, in rotting logs, and under piles of bricks or lumber. Indoors, nests are in woodwork, wall voids, decaying wood, masonry, and behind facades.

Threats

Although little black ants have a stinger, it is often too small and weak to be effective.

Little Black Ant Prevention

Homeowners should consider working with SureStrike Pest Control to employ a preventative pest management plan. There are also a few things that can be done around the property to prevent a little black ant infestation.

Homeowners should seal cracks and crevices in exterior walls with a silicone-based caulk, ensure firewood is stored at least 20 feet away from home, and keep shrubbery well-trimmed. Location of the nest is also important. While it can be difficult to see these ants due to their small size, their nests can be found by following the trail of workers back to the colony.

Ghost Ants
Ghost ants get their name from the fact that they are very hard to see due to their pale color and tiny size. They are a tropical species, probably of African or Asian origin. In the United States, ghost ants are found primarily in central and southern Florida and Hawaii. This type of ant is unable to survive in the northern states except in greenhouses and heated spaces.

Pest Stats
Color: Head and thorax dark brown, abdomen and legs are pale yellowish
Legs: Six
Shape: Unevenly rounded; thorax lacks spines
Size: Workers about 1/16” (1.3-1.5 mm) long
Antennae: Yes
Region: Found in many areas of the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Caribbean Islands
Ghost Ant Habits
Ghost ants are highly adaptable in their nesting habits, which seem to be like those of pharaoh ants. Colonies of ghost ants are moderate to large and can contain thousands of workers and numerous functional queens distributed across multiple nesting sites.

Ghost ants are very fond of honeydew. They also feed on dead and living insects. Inside, ghost ants show a preference for sweet foods and are most commonly found in kitchens.

Habitat
Outside, ghost ants make their nest in the ground. They prefer cavities and crevices in dead tree branches, but will also nest under stones, inside logs, and within piles of leaves and other debris. Ghost ants will readily enter structures by trailing from nests along sidewalks, patios and foundation walls.

Inside, ghost ants typically nest in wall voids, behind baseboards, between cabinets and inside the soil of potted plants. Workers often trail under carpet edges and along electrical wires in wall voids where they are hidden from view. Because of their high moisture needs, ghost ants can also be found trailing to water sources such as sinks, shower stalls and tubs.

Threats
Ghost ants do not sting, as they lack a stinger. However, ghost ants can become a serious nuisance because they are known to nest inside homes. Like odorous house ants, ghost ants give off a coconut-like odor when they are crushed.

Prevention
Ghost ants often enter homes by trailing along branches of tree and shrubs in direct contact with the structure. To prevent infestation homeowners should keep shrubbery trimmed, ensure branches are cut back, leaf litter and debris are removed, and store firewood at least 20 feet away from home.

A thorough inspection of the home is crucial to determine if a ghost ant infestation has developed. Indoors, homeowners should occasionally inspect sinks, toilets and tubs for any leaks or drips. Check carpet edges and shoe moldings, and around windows and doors for trails of ants. Also, inspect electrical outlets and telephone jacks, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. When outdoors, pay attention to the area along foundation walls and sidewalks by pulling back the grass. Turn over any stones, bricks, logs, firewood, or debris on the ground.
Controlling ghost ants require time and patience. Homeowners should consider working with SureStrike Pest Control to employ a preventative pest management plan or treat an existing problem.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants get their name because they make nests in or under cracks in the pavement. These dark brown to black ants can also infest structures.

Pest Stats

Color: Dark brown to blackish

Size: 1/8”

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Shape: Segmented; oval

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

Habits

These black ants will eat almost anything. Pavement ants have been known to consume insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese. They forage in trails for distances of up to 30 feet and are known to climb masonry walls that enter occupied areas.

Habitat

In buildings, pavement ants are most likely to be found in ground-level masonry walls, but they also nest in walls, insulation and under floors. Outside, these black ants typically nest under stones, pavement cracks and next to buildings.

Pavement Ant Prevention

Pests, such as pavement ants, are attracted to moisture. To prevent black pavement ants, eliminate standing water around the home. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pavement ants use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around your house. Ensure firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home because pavement ants like to build nests in stacks of wood. Indoors, clean up spills and crumbs on countertops and kitchen floors.

Threats
These black pavement ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided. If you notice pavement ants in your property, contact an ant pest control specialist.
If you're interested in learning more about pavement ants, including prevention information and facts, contact us for more info.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants get their name from the mistaken belief that they were one of the plagues of Egypt during the time of Pharaohs. This species is thought to be native to Africa but is currently found throughout the United States.

Pest Stats

Color: Body usually pale, varying from yellowish to reddish with abdomen often darker to black

Size: 1/16” (1.5 – 2.0 mm)
Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Shape: Monomorphic with segmented body

Region: All

Habits

Colonies of Pharaoh ants tend to be large, with workers numbering in the thousands. If disturbed, members of the colony will migrate to new locations to establish several new colonies through a process called budding.
Pharaoh ants feed on a variety of food sources including sweets, oils and proteins. They will also eat other dead insects.

Habitat

Pharaoh ants are commonly found in commercial food handling establishments such as hotels, grocery stores and hospitals. Inside, they nest in warm, humid areas near food and water sources. Nests are usually located in inaccessible areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, in furniture and under floors. These ants often use electrical and telephone wires as a highway system to travel through walls and between floorboards.

Outside, Pharaoh ants are typically found in shaded areas or under debris. They cannot survive outdoors year-round in the northern regions of the country.

Pharaoh Ant Prevention

• Seal all possible points of entry around the house including small openings and cracks around doors and windows.

• Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs.

• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.

• Eliminate sources of standing water outside and use a dehumidifier indoors to prevent moisture buildup.

• Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

• Consider working with us to employ a preventative pest management plan.

Threats

Pharaoh ants have been implicated in the spread of more than a dozen disease pathogens including salmonella and Streptococcus pyogenes. They are notorious for being a major nuisance in hospitals where they can enter wounds, enter IV bottles and can sometimes even seek moisture from the mouths of sleeping patients.

The Problem Ants on the number one reason homeowners call SureStrike pest given this Reality,Ants have a particular importance not only as a Frequently pest control challenge,but,quite often,as the foundation of your ongoing relationship with the clients. Sure Strike Pest Solution 1.Inspect what kind of ants they are. 2.Discuss the situation that you found and steps that we will take to solve the ant problem. 3.Treatment 4.Discuss the follow up plan of action and set up dates if needed. 5.Discuss monthly,Quarterly,Semi annually services and prices.