Throughout the world, ants exist in more than 10,000 various species. The body of an ant has three basic segments: head, thorax, and abdomen. A thin “waist” connects the thorax and abdomen and a durable exoskeleton provides some protection.
Ants appear in various colors, have six legs, and antennae, and generally, measure between 1/3 and ½ of an inch long. Ants typically form large colonies with hundreds or thousands of members. Each colony has a queen or multiple queens that have responsibility for reproduction and lay eggs several times per year. The other females are usually sterile and perform other activities such as hunting for food and defending the nest.
A qualified Riverside County pest control company maintains a comprehensive array of specialized ant control solutions. The professionals provide effective removal services and know how to keep ants away from the premises.
Types Of Ants That Commonly Invade Riverside County Homes
Many different ant species exist in this part of California; however, the most common ants that will enter homes include the following:
- Argentine ants: With a smaller body length of approximately 1/8 of an inch, Argentine ants can effectively navigate through the smallest points of entry. Argentine ants usually build “mound-like” nests in outdoor areas and appear in shades of dark brown or black.
- Pavement ants: Aptly named for building nests near driveways and sidewalks, pavements ants measure roughly 3/16 of an inch long and have a brown or black appearance.
- Pharaoh ants: Once indoors, Pharaoh ants will often nest in wall voids or beneath baseboards. Pharaoh ants have a yellow or orange appearance; however, they measure only 1/16 of an inch making them difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Red imported fire ants: In yard areas, fire ants usually create nests in soil or grass. Fire ants have a reddish-brown appearance and can deliver a painful sting.
Regardless of the ant species, these pests leave a trail of pheromone chemicals that others in the colony will detect; therefore, a small ant intrusion can often quickly transition to a full-blown infestation.
The Many Problems Ants Can Create In Your Home
Aside from the red fire ant, most species in this region are unlikely to bite or sting humans. Ants have exposure to many germs and are known for causing salmonellosis, E. coli, and other unwanted conditions.
Common Factors That Attract Ants Into Your Home
What causes ants to enter a home? Ants are scavengers that will enter homes when they detect sources of food. Ants commonly enter kitchen areas when crumbs exist on the floors or when dirty dishes or bowls of uneaten pet food are left out overnight.
Properly managing trash that contains food scraps is also very important. The kitchen area trash can should have a tightly fitting lid that will prevent entry. Limit unnecessary moisture by promptly repairing leaky faucets and pipes.
Because of their small size, ants may enter a home through very small openings; therefore, taking certain preventative measures is important. Closely inspect the exterior area around the foundation of the structure for any cracks or crevices that have developed and fill them with a durable sealant. Install sweeps to the bases of exterior doors and apply weatherstripping around the seals of windows.
Keep yard areas clear of attractants that will draw ants closer. For example, clean up thoroughly following picnics and barbeques, remove fallen fruits, and keep trash bags placed outdoors in sealed garbage receptacles.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Ants In Your Home
In addition to ants, the experts with Power Pros Pest Control will also oust bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, and many other undesirable creatures from your home. Contact our office today to schedule an inspection.