Ants are common insects that appear in various colors with six legs and antennae. As largely social creatures, ants often create nests or colonies with many thousands of others. Those engaging in outdoor activities with food, such as barbeques or picnics, routinely encounter these small scavengers.
Are you struggling with how to get rid of little ants that are entering your home? The best way to respond to ant intrusions is to contact a pest control company promptly. A qualified Longview pest control professional knows how to get rid of ants for good and the best ways to prevent future invasions.
Common Types Of Ants In Longview
Data indicates that more than 10,000 different ant species exist worldwide, and more than 200 are found throughout Texas. Among the most common ant species plaguing Longview homeowners are fire ants, little black ants, and carpenter ants.
Flying ants are often misidentified as termite “swarmers” (and vice versa). Termites have two pairs of wings that are the same length and have straight antennae. With flying ants, the rear pair of wings are shorter than the front pair, and their antennae are bent or “elbowed.”
An Ant Infestation Can Be More Than Just A Nuisance
Little black ants are primarily a nuisance pest rather than a safety concern or source of property damage.
Among the types of ants homeowners in Longview might encounter, fire ants pose the greatest risks for humans. Those who disturb a nest in their yards containing red imported fire ants often face an aggressive group of defenders that will bite and sting.
Do all ants bite humans? Carpenter ants don’t sting but can bite humans; however, incidents are rare. Similar to termites, carpenter ants will create property damage as they burrow through wooden parts of a structure. Further, damage to your home resulting from carpenter ants is likely not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Five Naturally Effective Ant Prevention Tips
Why are there ants in my house? To effectively limit the presence of ants, property owners in Longview should understand the best preventative measures, including:
- Keep all trash bags in sealed garbage receptacles.
- Never leave dirty dishes on counters or in sinks overnight.
- Promptly wipe up spills and sweep up crumbs.
- Place sweeps along exterior entry doors.
- Fill small cracks along the exterior with durable sealant.
After removing ants from your home, remember the importance of thoroughly cleaning all the exposed surfaces. This is necessary for removing any residual traces of pheromone chemicals that act as signals that other members of ant colonies can detect.
Call The Professionals For Total Ant Control
Are you wondering how to get rid of ants in your home? What often begins as a minor intrusion involving a few ants can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation. The best way of responding to these concerns is to speak with a licensed ant control professional.
For more than 20 years, our professionals with Gecko Pest Control have provided pest-related solutions for residential and commercial customers in Longview. We use many of the latest products recommended by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and other educators and advocates in the pest control industry.
We now offer several ongoing home protection plans. Our Healthy Home Plan features quarterly treatment visits from one of our qualified team members who perform interior and perimeter services. This plan addresses concerns, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents.
Many of our customers choose our more comprehensive Healthy Home Plus Plan, which includes all of the services in the basic plan plus monthly mosquito control services from April through October. Our most robust solution is the Healthy Home Premier Plan, which includes specialized outdoor monthly services for ants, fleas, and ticks.
Contact our office today for further information.