To help support ant removal efforts here in Bradenton, Westfall's Lawn and Pest is offering a complete guide to ants in the area, their role as local pests, and key information regarding ant control and prevention for homeowners.
The average person may think of ants as being fairly benign, especially when compared to other types of pests, but this can be a dangerous perspective to take. As this post will cover, even relatively non-threatening species of ants can unintentionally cause serious problems for homeowners, residents, and their families.
Join us for a quick but informative rundown of the ins and outs of ants in Bradenton.
Types Of Ants Found Around Bradenton
Below are some common types of ants that you'll find in the area, along with their key features.
Argentine Ants: These ants can create very large colonies, and they can also travel large distances.
Carpenter Ants: Well-known for being attracted to wood, carpenter ants don't eat wood but simply dig tunnels through it to create their nests.
Red Imported Fire Ant: This species is common in the area and delivers painful stings to humans and animals, which can potentially cause further problems.
As you've no doubt already noticed, different ants in Bradenton pose different threats to humans, but many species can also cause some of the same types of problems. Let's talk about the problems of ant infestations in more detail.
Are Ant Infestations Dangerous?
Is an ant infestation dangerous? Rather than thinking of ants as immediately dangerous, it's better to consider some of the potential dangers that different ants can cause. For example, just about every type of ant species is capable of spreading germs throughout your home. These germs could lead to a variety of health conditions.
Certain species have specific traits that lead to specialized risks. Again, fire ants can sting, and these stings can trigger more serious health conditions in the victim. Meanwhile, carpenter ants may cause substantial damage to wooden objects and wooden structures inside the home.
In other words, if you notice an ant infestation in your home, there is indeed potential for a number of problems, some more dangerous than others.
How Ants Get Into Bradenton Homes And What Attracts Them
Perhaps even more importantly, what attracts ants in the first place? Why do they decide to come into human homes and live there? In a fundamental sense, ants are attracted by sources of food, sources of water, and sources of shelter. Human homes can provide all three of these.
As for what attracts scouting worker ants, the answer is almost always food. Sweet foods, in particular, can quickly attract ants, and because ants can communicate so effectively, many more will arrive shortly.
Turning to how ants enter homes, there needs to be some kind of opening. Ants use tiny cracks in walls, window screens, door frames, and other imperfections to get inside.
This leads us to some of the most important prevention tips that can keep ants out of your house.
Five Essential Tips For Ant Prevention In Bradenton
It's time to share ant prevention tips for your Bradenton home. Try to keep these in mind throughout the year, but especially during months when ants are most active.
Seal cracks and openings in the exterior walls of your home.
After eating, clean up leftover food and store large amounts of food in sealed containers.
Repair leaky pipes inside the home and outdoors as well.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block scouting ants.
Keep trash cans covered with tight-fitting lids.
If you're ready to work with professional home pest control in Bradenton or want to learn more, contact Westfall's Lawn and Pest.
"We have used a number of pest control companies over the past 30 years, Carson and the team at Westfall are some of the best in the business! Highly professional, knowledgeable and great to work with. Highly recommend Westfall for your ALL our Pest Control needs!"
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