Ant Control
Queen Creek AZ
Ant Pest Control Services in San Tan Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Florence AZ
Ant Control in Queen Creek AZ You Can Trust
Poor sanitation is usually to blame for most ant infestations. This can be due to leaving dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on countertops, spills on floors that extend underneath the fridge, and overflowing trash that’s left out.
It may all start out innocently enough with a few foragers looking for food. But once those ants set up a colony behind the scenes, the infestation can get out of control quickly. While most ants are harmless in that they don’t bite, they can contaminate food sources and spread disease. Some species, such as fire ants, do bite.
It’s important to first assess what kind of any infestation you have before determining the best treatment. Leave that up to your Queen Creek pest control company. They can inspect the area and suggest the best course of action.
Types of Ants in Santan Valley AZ
The most common ant species in Arizona include:
1. Harvester Ant
Harvester Ants like to collect or “harvest” seeds. They are large ants, reaching up to 1/2" in length, and reddish-brown in color. Outdoors, they gather seeds creating large dome-shaped mounds. However, their attraction to moisture brings them inside Arizona homes. Harvester ant bites sting and they destroy vegetation resulting in bare spots on your lawn.
2. Odorous House Ant
Odorous House Ants get their name from the strong, rotten smell they give off when crushed (you can compare it to the smell of a rotten coconut). They are small, only 1/8" in length, and dark brown in color. They often build nests inside homes near moisture sources, such as hot water pipes or underneath leaky fixtures.
3. Argentine Ant
Argentine Ants are invasive species in Arizona. They are known for their large colonies that often displace other native ant species. Their color ranges from light to dark brown and you can see the long lines they form going from their nest to food sources and back. Argentine ants do not bite but give off a musty smell when crushed. They reproduce easily, leading to fast and large infestations.
4. Pavement Ant
Pavement ants are small, about 1/8" in length, and dark brown. Their body has a distinctive wrinkled appearance. These ants will nest in cracks in the pavement or underneath stones. They may also nest indoors within walls and floors. They eat pretty much anything, from bread and meat to other ants.
5. Fire Ant
Fire ants are a serious concern in Arizona. They are small, 1/8" in length, reddish-brown and have a painful sting (hence the name). Multiple stings can result in severe allergic reactions, as well as swelling and pain at the site. The nests these ants create are flattened, irregularly-shaped mounds, and are usually found near foundations or in landscaping.
6. Carpenter Ant
Carpenter Ants are the largest of the common Arizona ant species. They measure up to 1/2" in length and have black bodies with reddish-brown thoraxes.These ants chew through wood and create smooth tunnels for building nests. They do not eat wood but can still cause significant damage to your property by excavating tunnels through wooden structures.
How to Keep Ants Out of Your Arizona Home
From cleaning spills immediately to storing food in sealed containers, here are some ways you can prevent ants from getting inside your home.
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Keep Surfaces Clean:
Regularly wipe down your countertops and floors, making sure not to leave behind crumbs or spilled liquids. Store all pet and human food in sealed containers, such as cereal and sugar. -
Clean Dirty Dishes:
You may be tempted to leave dirty dishes in the sink to soak, but you should always clean them right away. Ants are drawn to leftover food and dirty dishes. -
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly:
This will eliminate stray food crumbs that may beckon an army of ants. Do this in areas where your family makes and consumes food, such as the kitchen and the dining room.
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Wipe Down Common Surfaces:
Ants love sweet and sticky substances originating from spills around the home. Wipe down counters and tables with cleaning products or vinegar and water mixtures. -
Seal Cracks and Access Points:
Apply caulking around windows and doors to eliminate obvious entrance and exit points. Patch holes in screens.
If you’ve spotted ants in your pantry or kitchen, don’t hesitate to call All Clear Pest Control for your free ant inspection and quote at 480-779-7378. Alternatively, you can complete our online form. Serving Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Florence AZ with effective ant control treatments.
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