Ant Identification & Prevention

Ant Identification & Prevention

What are ants?

Ants are a fixture in almost every ecosystem; from tropical rainforests to dry deserts, from our suburbs to our cities, these insects live successfully. Ants are incredibly social and live together in colonies of thousands to hundreds of thousands.

To ensure the success of their large colonies, ants divide their members into three different groups (workers, queens, and males). Ants will vary in size and appearance by species, but some of their most identifiable features include three body segments, a narrow waist, six legs, and a bent antenna.

Below is a list of the ants that regularly find their way onto our Lake Worth area properties.

• Ghost ants
• Black ants
• Sugar ants
• Crazy ants
• Fire ants

Are ants dangerous?

The good news is that while ants live in large numbers throughout Florida, most of the ants that make themselves comfortable on our properties are unwanted but not dangerous. When ants move into our homes, the biggest threat most species present is contaminating food and surfaces like counters and tables with the bacteria they carry on their legs and bodies.

Like with most things, there is an exception to every rule; fire ants are a species in Florida that are dangerous and should be a concern to have on your property.

Fire ants are aggressive and will bite and sting any person or animal that comes too close to them or their nests. The venom they inject with each sting is strong enough to trigger an anaphylactic shock in those that are severely allergic. In addition to the health problem they cause, their nesting mounds are unsightly to have in the middle of your yard and make mowing difficult.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are one of the most problematic pests that homeowners deal with year-round in Florida. Living together in large groups and having multiple nesting sites, ants are a tricky pest to avoid and even trickier to get rid of once they set their sights on your yard. Once ants are comfortable, they won’t just leave on their own; you will need to take action to eliminate them.

Ants are omnivores and feed on many things, including seeds, proteins, vegetables, fruits, and grease. Once ants discover a regular food source on your property or homes, they will take it as a sign to stay and make themselves comfortable.

Where will I find ants?

Ants are a year-round threat in Florida, with our warm climate allowing them to thrive no matter the season. Our homes, providing them with places to nest indoors if the weather ever does become too hot, cold, or wet for them to live comfortably.

Common outdoor nesting sites for ants include moist, loose soil found along fence lines, next to foundations, in the cracks of pavement, in the middle of lawns, and in garden areas under damp mulch or landscaping ties.

Ants that have moved indoors to nest build them in secluded areas. Crawl spaces, gaps under floors, wall voids, spaces behind window and door frames, or electrical equipment are common places ants will build an indoor nest.

How do I get rid of ants?

As soon as you begin to notice ants trailing throughout your yard or home, contact the local, family-oriented professionals at Above and Beyond Pest Control to eliminate them. We are leaders in the pest control industry and are committed to protecting people and their property from the dangers and damages ants, and other common household pests can cause. Through advanced treatments and the use of Integrated Pest Management, we can rid properties of ants in a manner that is safe for both people and the environment. Call today to learn more about our getting rid of ants through our residential or commercial pest control solutions!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Don’t let ants move in and out of your Florida home as they please; put in place the following prevention tips to make your property unappealing to ants.

• Trim back tree branches and bushes allow easy access for ants to crawl onto your siding and roof. 
• Leave at least a 12-inch barrier of crushed stone around your home.
• Remove wooden debris such as fallen trees, logs, and stumps from your yard where ants can nest. 
• Repair leaking pipes, hoses, and fixtures to reduce excess moisture.
• Mow the lawn and keep growth low.
• Store all trash in trash cans with tight lids away from the exterior walls of your home.
• Regularly clean out trash cans to remove food debris.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.