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The Different Ant Species And How To Get Rid Of Them

Ants are social insects that belong to the insect order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps, and there are more than 12,000 ant species across the world. However, of these 12,000 ant species, there are only four main types of ants that will infest the home: carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, fire ants, and harvester ants.

Carpenter ants are similar to termites, in that they build their colonies inside wood, and they are by far the most damaging ant species out there. Pharaoh ants infest homes all over the world, and the main danger posed by these ants is that they can carry pathogens which they can spread to the food supply when they are foraging.

Red imported fire ants were accidentally introduced in Arizona in the 1930s and have spread steadily since then to this day. They are now found all throughout the southern and southeastern regions of the country. Fire ants are known for their aggression and for their painful sting.

Harvester ants are a species that can be found in many different climates and habitats. They can live in deserts, forests, and savannas, and they can also be found in lush and fertile tropical forests. Harvester ants are known to feed on the seeds of plants, which they store for their own use during dry seasons. They also have a venomous sting, and the severity of the sting varies from genus to genus.

Ant control methods

There are many different ways you can get rid of ants, and the method used during the control process will depend on the particular species in the infestation. For example, when dealing with carpenter ants, a pest control professional will likely use baits in order to kill off the entire colony. On the other hand, if you have a fire ant colony in your backyard, the pest control pro might use insecticides directly on the mound, which will seep into the ground and remove the infestation that way.

This is why the first step in removing an infestation is the inspection process, which will detect the species responsible and help the specialist determine the right course of action. In some situations, more than one control option will be available and your pest control pro will advise you on the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

Having a pest control specialist come and remove an entire ant colony from your property will ensure that your home becomes completely free of ants, while DIY efforts can often lead to an incomplete removal and re-infestation shortly after the control process is completed. If you would like to know more about ant control, or if you have an ant infestation in your home, contact us today.