With spring approaching, you may have started to notice small, troublesome bugs invading your home. Ants are often one of the most persistent pests to eliminate and a small group of them can quickly turn into an infestation if not properly handled.
At DANCAN The Pest Control Expert, we pride ourselves in performing a thorough service, ensuring we attack all possible areas of pest entry, from the top to the bottom of your home. If you are ready to rid your home of these intruders, contact DANCAN today.
Types Of Ants in Texas
DANCAN’s general pest control service alone targets many of the most common types of ants across the state.
Odorous House Ants
Brownish-black ants are easy to identify as they emit a distinct odor when crushed, described by some as a licorice-like scent. They usually nest outdoors under rocks and boards but can also nest in bricks and wall voids. These ants are attracted to sweet foods and will enter homes in search of them.
Pavement Ants
These ants have a dark brown to black body but are distinguished by the lines running across their heads and thorax and their paler legs and antennae. They prefer to nest in the soil under sidewalks, building slabs, and rotting wood. However, they typically forage for food far from their nest. Piles of sand or soil near cracks in concrete or foundations are evidence of pavement ants nesting nearby.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are considered an invasive species. They live in extremely large colonies with multiple queens. Because of this, they can spread rapidly. Appearance-wise, they are typically shiny and brown and similar in size amongst each other. Popular outdoor nesting sites for these ants include mulch, tree stumps, and rocks, to name a few. Indoors, they are known to nest in moist areas near water pipes and in potted plants.
DANCAN’s Quarterly General Pest service was designed to keep these critters at bay. It includes dusting the weep holes and any cracks or crevices along the base of the home to prevent ant entry and deter them from nesting in the walls. We also inspect and treat flowerbeds and the home’s foundation, where thriving ant populations are often found. The lawn is granulated with an insecticide that specifically targets ants, eliminating any ant mounds. High-traffic areas are heavily baited with strategically selected bait based on the diet and preferences of the identified ant species. What’s more, DANCAN will return for any follow-up appointments needed free of charge between quarterly services.
And that is not all, these aren’t the only ants DANCAN is prepared to tackle. Pesky Fire Ants and Carpenter Ants can also make an appearance in a Flower Mound home. These are pests characterized by their large numbers, expansive nests, and resistance to many products. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule an inspection if you suspect you have a fire ant or carpenter ant problem.
Fire Ants
Aggressive red and brownish ants react to nest disturbance by biting and stinging. Their mounds are flat and irregular with no clear entrance and can be between 2 and 4 ft in length. Fire ants are almost always found outdoors but can infiltrate your home in search of food.
Carpenter Ants
Are large and vary in color, between black, brown, and reddish orange. They are nocturnal insects who bore into wood to build their nests. They are considered wood-destroying organisms, therefore signs of their presence in your home include dust piles and wings left on windowsills following a swarm.
If you come across any of these warning signs, don’t wait or succumb to the temptation of using store-bought insecticides which do more harm than good. Call DANCAN The Pest Control Expert and allow us to take care of this issue for you. We are confident that our high-quality products and services will protect your home today and in the long run!
By: Carolina Mendeses