Ants live everywhere; in fact, ants are considered the #1 nuisance pest in the US. So, it's no surprise that they're in your home. Your house offers everything they need: food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, ants are sometimes more than just a nuisance pest. That's why, when you find ants in your home, you need to call FlynnCo, a professional Orange County pest control company.
Quick Identification Guide For Common Ants
There are several different species of ants in Orange County, including:
- Odorous house ants are brown or black, ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Like all ants, they're generally oval-shaped, segmented, and have tiny "waists." They also have six legs and two antennae. They get their name from the odor they give off when you crush them. It smells like rotten coconut.
- Pharaoh ants are 1/16 inch long. Their color ranges from pale yellow to red, with darker abdomens. They're so-called because they were thought to have been one of the Biblical plagues of Egypt and are known for spreading contamination.
- Pavement ants are 1/8 inch long and dark brown to black. Their name comes from the fact that they make their colonies under the pavement.
If you find any of these pests in your home, contact an ant control service near your home.
Should I Worry If I Have Ants In My House?
The short answer is yes. Ants are known carriers of several diseases, including:
- Salmonellosis
- Staphylococcus
- Clostridium
- Streptococcus
They carry these diseases on their feet and bodies and track them into your home, especially over food preparation areas and the food itself. If you see ants in your kitchen, to be safe, you should throw away any food left sitting out on your counter or table. Then thoroughly clean and disinfect your kitchen to decontaminate surfaces and erase the pheromone trails ants lay down when they've found a food source.
Six Easy Yet Effective Ant Prevention Tips For Around The House
Because of the bacteria and other pathogens they carry, it's important that you know how to prevent ants from entering your home. Here are six simple ant prevention tips you can try:
Wash your dishes regularly to deprive ants of that source of food.
Refrain from leaving food out on the counter. Keep food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
Make sure your outside garbage cans are several feet from your house. Put tight-fitting lids on them to help keep ants and other pests out.
Wash your kitchen trash can regularly to prevent food buildup and odor.
Prevent entry points. Check your foundation for gaps, cracks, and any other openings that may allow ants to enter your home.
If you find that these tips are not helpful and that you have an ant infestation, turn to FlynnCo. We know how to get rid of ants in your house and keep them out.
What's The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Ants?
Even if you know how to keep ants away and implement all those practices, you could still have an ant problem. Sometimes, you're just going to have ants in your house.
When that happens, contact FlynnCo. We are a pest control company highly trained in home pest control near you. FlynnCo is a locally owned and operated pest control company with over ten years of experience. Our technicians are licensed and certified. Further, they're highly trained, with continuing education throughout their career with us, so you always receive the best service. FlynnCo is a company where results matter! Contact us today!