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Ants: How to Prevent San Antonio's Most Common Pest
A line of small black insects marches through the small crack at the bottom of your backdoor. Their goal? Stealing your food and peace of mind. While their invasion may seem inevitable, there are ways that you can combat these common pests.
The Most Common Ants in San Antonio
There are over 12,000 known ant species in the world. Some of the more common ant species in San Antonio, TX include:
- Acrobat Ants: Smaller than half an inch, these ants are traditionally brown-black in color, and their abdomen is shaped like a heart. Acrobat ants like to nest in moist places and traditionally find their way into buildings by crawling along close-hanging branches or utility lines.
- Little Black Ants: Sugar ants are dark brown or black in color. As the nickname suggests, they are attracted to sweet things. They find their way indoors by following the smell of food and creeping through cracks or crevices in doors and windows. A smaller species of ant, these little pests measure at 1/16 of an inch.
- Fire Ants: Fire ants build their nests outdoors and rarely find their way indoors. Their stunning red color makes them more noticeable than traditional ants. They are known for their painful bite and stings.
- Carpenter Ants: These ants are known for their tendency to burrow and build nests in damaged wood. They can be black, brown, or red. Carpenter ants are one of the biggest species of ants in North America and can cause dangerous structural damage to homes and properties.
Why Prevent Ants?
Nobody enjoys rooming with unexpected guests, and there are certain dangers associated with leaving an ant problem unsolved.
- Home damage: Certain types of ants, especially carpenter ants, can cause lasting home damage.
- Health risks: Most ants can bite, which can cause pain and discomfort. Fire ants carry venom in their stings, which can cause many uncomfortable symptoms.
- Pests attract more pests: Small pests like ants can attract bigger pests who enjoy feasting on the little invaders.
How to Prevent Ants From Invading Your Property
There are a few things you can do to combat an ant invasion before it begins. These things will not only keep ants away but they can also make sure other unwanted pests don't make an appearance.
- Seal entry points: Finding and sealing open cracks and crevices that lead indoors is crucial if you want to keep ants away from your food, floors, and home.
- Keep food sealed in tight containers: Ants enjoy eating the same foods that humans like. So, it's a good idea to keep your cereals and sweet treats tightly stored. Otherwise, ants and other pests may want to take up permanent residence in your pantry.
- Keep your space clean: Be sure to clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they occur. Leaving spills exposed can attract ants and other common pests.
- Seek professional pest control: If you're worried about a potential ant problem or if you have had issues in the past, you might consider contacting a professional pest control service.
Call Insight Pest Control San Antonio
At Insight Pest Solutions, we provide quick and effective solutions to current and potential pest problems. Don't settle for sharing your kitchen counter with ants. If you have questions about ant control or any other pest problem in San Antonio, reach out to your local pest experts at Insight. Our technicians are trained, experienced, and ready to help you solve your pest infestations. If ants or any other common pest has invaded your home and you're looking for quick relief, call Insight Pest Control San Antonio today.
