Cooler weather is finally on the way to Florida, leaving the hot, humid days of summer in the rearview mirror. If we aren’t busy dodging hurricanes this time of year, we are busy ridding homeowners of troublesome pests, including ants. These tiny pests are very common in the fall and winter months, and thankfully, our industry-leading ant control services in Florida allow you to enjoy a pest-free home. Check out a few common types of ants in Florida and tips on how to keep them out of your home, then call Palm Coast Pest Control for a Speedy Fast Quote® today!
Common Types of Ants in Florida
- Pharaoh Ants: These ants have light yellow bodies with red and black markings on their abdomen, and they are approximately 2 millimeters long. They frequent hospitals, apartment buildings, and nursing homes, and are capable of transmitting infections.
- Carpenter Ants: These are among the largest ants in the country. They can be as long as 13 millimeters and they are usually black, red, or yellow in color. They make their burrows in damp wood, but can also damage dry wood.
- Red Imported Fire Ants: These ants are red, may be up to 5 millimeters long, and they have a visible stinger on their back segment. They are very aggressive, and their painful sting can be deadly to people and animals.
- Argentine Ants: These ants are dark brown or black in color, have long antennae, and they can be up to 3 millimeters long. They are a very invasive species that will build large colonies quickly if not controlled.
Tips for Preventing Ant Infestations
Practice Good Housekeeping
As with any other pest, one of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to eliminate possible food sources. Ants are likely to enter your home in the cooler months looking for food, and if they find it, they will alert the rest of the colony. Remember to wipe and sweep up crumbs, store your trash outside, and use air-tight containers in your pantry.
Eliminate Moisture
Ants love moisture, and they are often concentrated in areas of your home that have this natural resource at the ready. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are common areas for infestation, and limiting the moisture content in these areas will help reduce the odds of infestation. If you have discovered ants in these areas, check your sinks, tubs, toilets, and other plumbing sources for leaks.
Seal Entry Points
Ants are very tiny, and that means they can fit through even the smallest cracks and crevices to enter your home. Performing a close inspection of the exterior of your home may reveal possible entry points that you didn’t know were there. Sealing any cracks around windows, doors, and other exterior areas can help keep ants out, as can pruning back trees and bushes away from your home.
Schedule Professional Ant Control Services Today!
If DIY prevention methods have failed you, it might be time to call someone for professional ant control. The experienced exterminators at Palm Coast Pest Control are here to help you when you need it most. Our Top Rated Local® pest control services are designed to be affordable and effective, allowing you to enjoy a home that is free of unwanted pests without breaking the bank. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
