Why Ants Enter Redding Homes & How To Keep Them Out
There is something inherently calming about watching a trail of ants crawling through the grass, especially if they carry an assortment of items that look too heavy for their tiny little bodies. The same feeling does not, however, accompany finding these insects indoors. The second ants break into a home, they go from amusing to annoying. If you are curious to know why ants are entering your Redding home and want a good way to keep them out, here are a few things to consider.
Ants That Invade Homes In Redding
There are thousands of ant species around the world; many have no interest in invading our houses. Here is a basic breakdown for you to use to help identify the invasive species in our area and understand why they enter homes around Redding.
Argentine Ants
The Argentine ant is one-sixteenth to one-quarter of an inch long and has a shiny dark brown to black body. This insect is a nuisance pest in and around homes, building their nests and scavenging for food.
Odorous House Ants
The odorous house ant is one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch long, brown to black, and has an abnormally shaped abdomen. Like Argentine ants, odorous house ants are harmless but annoying with their scavenging and nesting habits. These pests also emit a foul odor when squished that many liken to rotten coconuts.
Pharaoh Ants
The pharaoh ant is one-sixteenth of an inch long, pale yellow to red, and has a dark-colored abdomen. This species is considered one of the more dangerous species in our area and regularly carries and transmits disease-causing organisms. Two diseases you might contract from an area contaminated by pharaoh ants are salmonellosis and staphylococcus.
Carpenter Ants
The carpenter ant is five-eighths of an inch long, red, black, or red and black, and has large mandibles. Besides being the largest species in North America, this pest is well-known for its destructive habits, specifically its ability to tunnel through wood. Only second to termites, the carpenter ant is not a pest you want to see around your living areas.
Prevention Tips To Keep Your Home Ants-Free
Although some ants invade homes for different reasons, most of these pests come indoors to build a nest or scavenge for food. To reduce your chances of finding ants crawling around inside your living areas, here are some ways to minimize attractants and eliminate entry points:
- Use a caulking gun to seal up holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation and around window and door frames.
- Repair damage to window and door screens.
- Make sure all of your exterior doors have door sweeps.
- Eliminate sources of water buildup around your property.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly.
- Reduce the clutter in and around your home.
- Clean your living areas regularly.
- Do not leave pastries, cookies, and other goodies on countertops without covering them.
The Only Way To Guarantee Ants Stay Out Of Your Redding Home
Keeping up with DIY ant prevention is not easy, nor is it practical. If you are looking for a simple and effective way to protect your Redding home against ants or trying to find a solution to handle a current infestation, look no further than Redding Spray Services. All of our pest control services are designed with our clients in mind and built to fit your budget.
Call us today for any questions you have about our options and schedule your Redding home for a detailed pest inspection. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.
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