Ants

Ants are one of the most common pest problems seen in Gainesville, Tampa, Tallahassee, and the rest of Florida. They aren’t just a nuisance—they’re difficult to treat sometimes, too. A single colony may be home to thousands of ants, and multiple colonies can be found on one property. There are thousands of species of ants, but Florida typically sees four major types:

  • Carpenter Ants are about 5/8 of an inch in length and make their homes in damp wood, but quickly damage solid wood structures. They do not eat the wood, however. Instead, they just destroy it to make space for their nests.
  • Red Imported Fire Ants can vary in size (anywhere from ⅛ to ⅜ of an inch) and make large mounds for nests. They are known for their painful sting. If you see them in your home or business, they’ve probably entered through a crack or hole.
  • Pavement Ants are tiny and make their nests in pavement cracks. They can infest buildings as well.
  • Pharaoh Ants may be commonly seen in hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, and apartment buildings. They’re capable of transmitting infections such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in hospital and nursing home settings.

How did I get ants?

Ants enter your home or business to find moisture and food. Sometimes this can include mold damage found in rotting or damp wood. Ants typically feed on sweets, although that’s not true for every species. Other items that ants like to eat include cheese, meats, vegetables, grease, peanut butter, and even dead insects.

The most likely reason for an ant infestation is a crack around a window or door. They can also get into your home via holes for wires. Kitchens are a frequent source of possible food for ants, which is why you’ll probably first notice them there.

Are ants dangerous?

Most species of ant can be considered a mild nuisance, but in some cases—such as with carpenter ants—they’re a wood-destroying insect (WDO)Fire ants are a different story because they propose a serious health risk because of the pain of their sting. This burning sensation can result in intense itching and a pustule that may be a risk of infection. In some cases, fire ants have been known to cause allergic reactions ranging from rashes and swelling to paralysis or anaphylactic shock—up to and including death.

How do I get rid of my ant problem?

Ants’ behavior when it comes to foraging and colony development make them a hard pest to eradicate. You may be tempted to use ant bait in your home to help eliminate the problem, but that can only go so far. While it may feel like an entire ant colony is crawling around your kitchen, the truth is that only a small percentage of them are actively in your home at any one time. In many cases, the actual colony may be located far away from your structure. Trusting a pest professional to help locate the ants’ nest and deliver pest control treatments as close to their home as possible is the best way to eliminate the ant problem.

At McCall Service, our pest control experts can help you determine the best course of action and locate the source of your ant problem. We’ll then provide you a free estimate that includes using the minimum amount of treatment designed for your specific ant problem.

How do I prevent ants from returning?

Ant problems can be hard to prevent, but our pest experts can help identify external and internal factors that may encourage ants to make their way into your home. Most of our clients opt to receive regular pest control service that will help keep their businesses ant-free.

When can you get here?

At McCall Service, we take all pest problems seriously. In most cases, we can respond to your pest problem either same-day or within 24 hours. To get started, contact us today for your free pest inspection.contact us today for your free pest inspection.

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