If you ask any homeowner which pest they most fear, the answer is usually either cockroaches, spiders, or mice. But, as disagreeable as these creepy critters are, there is one insect that is more likely to make its way into your living space than any other: ants.
According to Northwest Arkansas-based termite control services technicians at Alder Pest Control, there are more than 700 species in the US. By contrast, there are only 55 species of cockroach known to live on US soil. Even if you’re used to ants crawling around on your picnic blanket, they have no place in your home. Ants not only pose health dangers to people, they can also contaminate food and may even harm the members of your household.
Common Ants In Rogers, Lowell, Bentonville, And Bella Vista
Out of all the ants species, a few are more common in the Northwest Arkansas area. According to your termite control services provider, a few of these include:
Argentine Ants
These little guys can grow up to a quarter of an inch and are found throughout the southeastern US. You are likely to find an Argentine ant colony in a moist environment in close proximity to a food source. Argentine ants will contaminate food and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed.
Crazy Ants
We’re not talking about your crazy Aunt Mildred but instead the Caribbean crazy ant, which is known to move in an erratic pattern when their next meal is on the line. Exceptionally small, crazy ants don’t actually pose any threat to your health, but they can nest under your carpet and cause damage to your home.
Pavement Ants
If you’ve called for termite control services only to be told it was ants instead, pavement ants may have been the culprit. Small and black, pavement ants reach ⅛ of an inch long and can be found everywhere in the United States. How do they get their name? They burrow in cracks found in the pavement.
Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants are another insect that is often confused with termites. They are large, black or red, and, like termites, prefer congregating in wood. If you’re not sure if you have termites or carpenter ants, contact your pest-control provider. Even if you don’t need termite control services, Alder Pest Control can help you get rid of your ant problem.
Ants are more than just an unsightly nuisance. They can swarm, bite, and leave your food anything but edible. There are many ways to keep them from your home, but you have to know what to look for first.
Alder Pest Control offers ant and termite control services throughout the Northwest Arkansas area.
