In Tampa, residents don't just have to deal with your typical common house ant. While that type of ant can invade your Florida home, we also have to battle more dangerous types of ants that can cause you a lot of pain and problems.
At Haskell Termite & Pest Control, we know how to deal with all of the various types of ants that are common in this area. Our Tampa pest control specialists have years of experience tackling ant infestations of different severity levels, and we can help make your home free of ants once again.
Quick Identification Guide For Tampa Pest Control
Tampa is home to several different types of ants. Because ants are so small, it can be difficult to see any of their distinguishing features. And while they can all look somewhat the same, each species has a few unique characteristics and behaviors that allow them to stand apart from the crowd. Some of the different ant species that you are most likely to see around your Tampa home include:
- Carpenter ants: This is one of the larger ants you will find on your property. On average, they can grow to be over half an inch long. They can come in a variety of colors but are usually black, red, or brown. Carpenter ants are known to chew through various wooden surfaces of your home in order to build their nest.
- Pharaoh ants: The pharaoh ant is one of the most noticeable ants because of their size and color. They usually have pale yellow bodies and are only about 1/16 of an inch long. You will commonly find pharaoh ants scavenging for food in both commercial and residential kitchens.
- Fire ants: These ants can vary in size, but they are usually about ? of an inch long. They have dark red bodies and prefer to stay outdoors where the sun is shining bright. Fire ants will build large ant mounds that can measure over two feet wide and will sting any human or animal that gets too close to their nest.
The ants that are found in this area can multiply quickly. They all live in large colonies, and if they invade your home, it won't take long before they take over.
Are Ants In The House A Big Deal?
Ants can be much more than just an annoyance. These tiny insects can actually contaminate your food with a wide range of viruses and diseases. Some of the illnesses that you can catch from ant infestations include salmonellosis and E. coli infection.
Not only can they make you sick, but some species, like the carpenter ant, can actually cause extensive damage to your home. If they are able to build a large nest inside of the wooden beams or studs in your home, carpenter ants can eventually cause structural damage to your house.
What's Attracting Ants To My House?
Ants are attracted to food and water. When it comes to finding something to eat, ants are not too picky. However, they usually love sweet and sugary foods. If you have candy or some other sweet snack, make sure to store it properly in an airtight container. Also, if you leave your pet's food and water dishes out all night, it could cause some ants to come inside for a quick snack. Leaks and poor drainage can cause humid conditions that attract ants to your property.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Ants In Your House
If you want to prevent ants from taking over your Tampa home, call the professionals at Haskell Termite & Pest Control today. We have been in business since 1992. There is not an ant infestation too big or too small for our experienced and knowledgeable pest control technicians. Contact us today for a free quote!