Summer months are a great time for families. We go outside and enjoy the great outdoors and a multitude of activities. But when the weather warms up, ants also become more active. These insects are constantly foraging for food and water and looking for places to live. Sometimes they find those resources in your home. When this happens, they become a nuisance and we have to get rid of them.
If you think you’re having a problem with ants, it’s important to call a Broken Arrow Pest Control company that can deal with them. But for the moment, let’s take a trip down ant lane and look at a couple of ants you may encounter.
There are many different species of ants, but one of the most notorious groups is the fire ants. Fire ants can aggressively defend their mounds. They bite to hold onto the skin and then sting, and those stings can be very painful. If you step on or disturb a fire ant mound and remain there, numerous workers can quickly move onto your shoes and legs and sting exposed skin. Most stings cause localized pain and irritation, although some people can have serious allergic reactions and should seek medical attention when appropriate. Oklahoma State University Extension provides information about fire ants, their stings, identification, and management in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has native fire ant species, and the invasive red imported fire ant has also been found in parts of the state. Imported fire ants are important because invasive populations can affect people, animals, and native ecosystems. Correct identification matters before deciding how a fire ant problem should be treated.
Pavement ants are another kind of ant. They commonly nest in soil beneath pavement, sidewalks, driveways, foundations, stones, and similar protected areas. They often travel in visible trails while searching for food. Like many ants, they use chemical trails to help colony members locate food and communicate. These ants can also find their way into houses while foraging.
If you can address the colony and the conditions that are attracting the ants, you have a much better chance of controlling the problem than by killing only the workers you happen to see. Food, water, entry points, nesting areas, and the ant species all matter when choosing a control method. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends identifying the pest, removing food and water sources, preventing entry, and using pesticides only according to their labels.
If you’re dealing with ants, it’s probably a good idea to get in contact with a Broken Arrow Pest Control company that can help. TermMax Pest Control is great when it comes to dealing with ants, and we can develop a treatment plan for the problem you’re experiencing. If you need help, give us a call right away.
