Most Fort Worth residents see ants in their homes at one point or another as they search for food and water to supply their colonies. They might not seem dangerous, but these pests can cause numerous problems in structures.
Knowing the problems ants cause in your home will help you understand why you should avoid them. Professional pest control in Fort Worth uses the best tools and techniques to protect local residences. Read on to learn about why ants are problematic for Fort Worth residents.
The Life Cycle Of Ants: How Ant Colonies Develop
Most ant colonies begin when a member flies away, becoming the queen of a new colony. She mates with a male, finds a good site for the nest, and drops her wings. She'll seclude herself in the nest while the eggs mature and eventually become members of the new colony.
This process is the most common way new ant colonies develop. But they can also start in the old nest. When the queen can't fly, she might mate with members of the old nest, and the current workers will identify a quality nesting site. Sometimes workers can develop a new colony without a queen by carrying immature eggs to a new nest.
After a while, colony members leave in swarms to form a new colony. The time it takes for this to occur and the number of queens present depends on the types of ants, but they'll use one of these colony development methods.
Ant Problems: Health Concerns And Property Damage
Most residents aren't concerned with an ant infestation in their homes. These tiny insects are often seen on walls or surfaces but are considered little more than a nuisance. However, some species can threaten the health and safety of households.
Some of the illnesses ants can spread to people include:
- Salmonellosis
- Clostridium
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
Whether ants can make people sick depends on the species, and stinging ants can cause allergies. Another possible threat is property damage. Acrobat ants can strip the insulation from electrical wires, and carpenter ants create galleries in wood that weaken the structural integrity of a home. Regardless of their threats, professional ant pest control treatments can protect you.
Ant Prevention Mistakes To Avoid: Common Pitfalls And Solutions
When ants in Fort Worth invade homes for food and water, they use pheromones to communicate. They leave a trail when they find food and water for other ants to follow, worsening your infestation. The best way to avoid these problems is to remove common attractants.
Mistakes people make that invite ants into their homes include the following:
- Allowing trash to build up in garbage cans
- Failing to repair leaks
- Keeping food out uncovered
- Leaving crumbs and spills uncleaned
Cleaning up spills, repairing leaks, and keeping food in airtight containers are easy ant prevention tips. You can also close tiny cracks or crevices they use as entry points.
Professional Ant Control: A Great Way To Keep Ants Out For Good
When you see ants in your house, they're likely only some of the intruders. Even if you can eliminate ants in your home, others will follow the chemical trail into your house. The most effective way to end an ant infestation and prevent future intruders is to call for professional ant pest control services.
Lonestar Safe Pest is the ant expert for Fort Worth residents. We'll find the ants in your house and the nest in your yard. We use effective products to eliminate the nuisances and take steps to prevent future infestations. Call us today for help with ants and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Fort Worth.