One of the most common pests in California are ants. There are a number of ant species that are found invading California homes, but none more prominent than the Argentine ants, Carpenter ants, Pharaoh ants, and the Thief ants. Animal Pest Management Services, Inc would like to share more about these common invaders and how to defend your home from them.
Argentine Ants
As the name suggests, Argentine ants originate from many parts in South America and have slowly made their way throughout North America, Canada, and are now found on other continents as well. Argentine ants are super invasive and even threaten other ant species with their super-colonies. Argentine ants are prolific throughout California and are a very common ant species. Argentine ants are dark brown in color. The worker averages about an eighth of an inch in length. Argentine ants can also be identified by the musty odor they give off if they are crushed. This ant species loves sweets and are known to milk honeydew from aphids.
Carpenter Ants
One of the most terrorizing ant species is the Carpenter ant. Well known for their destructive behavior, carpenter ants will chew their nest in the wooden features throughout your home. Carpenter ants need damp wood in order to create their nests. Carpenter ants can equally be as destructive as termites and are found chewing their way into California homes. Carpenter ants love to eat sweet foods as well as protein and are known to eat other insects. Carpenter ants are often black or really dark brown and sometimes red and black. They are also one of the larger ant species, measuring as long as half of an inch.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are yellow, orange, or honey colored, and are very tiny, measuring only one sixteenth of an inch. Pharaoh ants are very difficult to keep out of homes and other buildings as they are very small. Pharaoh ants are also considered a threatening ant species as they can spread and transmit diseases such as salmonella, staphylococcus, and clostridium.
Thief Ants
Thief ants are named due to their habits of nesting near other ant species and will steal their food and larva for themselves. Thief ants are also known as grease ants as they tend to invade homes and feast on greasy food or simply just the grease. Thief ants feed primarily on protein, including other insects or dead critters. Thief ants are most often yellowish in color and range about one eighth of an inch long. They will nest under rock, in decaying wood, or in walls, cabinets or behind baseboards.
Ant Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Controlling ants depends on the species and will vary. However, to ensure success it is recommended to seek out professional pest control services. Depending on the species, some ants can be controlled with pesticide and baits, while other species require direct nest treatments. For those who find ants invading their home and need professional assistance, contact Animal Pest Management Services, Inc and schedule our services today.
