These industrious creatures have their place in nature, but you never want to see them in your home or business. Ants pose several problems to Aiken, SC property owners: they can contaminate food, damage property, bite or sting, and even spread dangerous diseases. For these reasons, you must take preventative measures against ant infestations.
Identifying Ants In Aiken, SC
Ants thrive in Aiken’s warm climate, particularly during the hot and humid South Carolina summers. Here are some species you are most likely to come across in Aiken:
- Odorous House Ants - The most common of all household ants, odorous house ants are named for the rotten smell they emit when crushed. They are brownish-black and relatively small (about one-eighth of an inch long) and are often discovered nesting in walls and under floors.
- Carpenter Ants - Carpenter ants are medium-sized and typically black or reddish. They are characterized by the damage they inflict on wooden structures, which looks similar to the effects of a termite infestation.
- Argentine Ants - Carried to the U.S. on ships from Argentina in the 1890s, these small brown ants live in large colonies and move rapidly. Considered trailing ants, thousands of Argentine ants will travel together seeking food, quickly becoming a nuisance in your home.
- Crazy Ants - Crazy ants earned their name from their erratic movements, as they often run around in a frenzy, unpredictably jerking and changing direction. These tiny ants can be either reddish-brown or grayish-black in color. They are known to infest and destroy electrical equipment, resulting in costly repairs.
- Pharaoh Ants - Pharaoh ants are distinguishable by their yellowish or reddish color and black abdomens. They are extremely small, but also extremely dangerous, spreading diseases such as streptococcus and salmonellosis.
- Red Imported Fire Ants - Since their introduction to the United States in the 1930s, red imported fire ants have become increasingly problematic for South Carolina homeowners. Typically found in mounds in sunny areas of your yard, fire ants are highly aggressive with a sting that causes burning, itching, and sometimes allergic reactions.
Ant Prevention Tips For Aiken Homeowners
Ant infestations are difficult to eliminate without the help of a professional pest control service, as ant colonies can be massive and concentrated in areas that are tricky to locate or access. There are numerous over-the-counter sprays and traps you can purchase, but the effectiveness of these products is limited, and some may contain toxic chemicals that pose health hazards. While ant control is best left to professionals once there are signs of an infestation, there are measures you can take to keep ants at bay. Here are some tips for keeping these pesky insects away:
- Seal any holes or cracks on the outside of your house.
- Secure garbage in covered containers and dispose of it frequently.
- Wipe down kitchen counters and clean floors regularly.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep fruit in the refrigerator.
- Reduce moisture in your home by repairing leaking pipes and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs to keep them away from your house.
These prevention tips can help reduce the likelihood of an ant infestation, but a professional ant control service will provide the most effective solutions.
Aiken Pest Control - Effective Ant Control In Aiken, SC
Even with the best preventative measures, ant infestations are all too common, and you may need professional intervention at some point. At Aiken Pest Control, our ant control process will have your property ant-free in no time.
Our process includes a thorough initial inspection and service, quarterly follow-up visits to check for and treat any new pest issues, and comprehensive pest protection for any additional concerns that arise between regularly scheduled visits (at no extra cost.) For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to providing excellent service and safe, effective pest control solutions.
Ant prevention and control is a challenge for many Aiken property owners, but with these tips and our ongoing assistance, it is a battle we will win every time. If you have an ant problem, contact Aiken Pest Control today for professional and affordable service.