Do ants like your home? If so, why do you think they like it? Does your home have something the other homes on the block do not have? Maybe ants find it easier to invade your living areas because of cracks, gaps, and other exterior damage. We will find out today why ants are invading your Bay Area home and break down some options to keep these pests out, year-round. For fast services to deal with active ants inside your home, call our team at Bay Pest. We offer comprehensive options to guard properties against invasive insects and would be happy to lend you a helping hand. To learn more about the ants in the Bay Area, keep reading.
What Types Of Ants Are Found In The Bay Area?
Before we talk about ant control, let’s look at some common species that live in our area and the problems they cause. Three types of ants you should know about are Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants.
- Argentine ants are 2.2 to 2.8 mm long and are light to dark brown. These pests nest in moist soil near buildings, around sidewalks, and under debris. Argentine ants are not known to be harmful to humans and are mostly just annoying when they invade area homes to find food.
- Odorous house ants are 2.4 to 3.3 mm long, dark brown or black, and have unevenly shaped bodies. These pests nest around, and sometimes inside, homes. These pests are not harmful but do create a foul odor when squished.
- Carpenter ants are 3.4 to 13 mm long and are red, black, or a combination of these two colors. These invasive insects are mostly known for the way they damage structural wood while building their nests. Carpenter ants will also come indoors and steal food like other area ant species.
Why Are Ants Drawn To Homes?
Ants invade homes for a few reasons. Mainly, they come inside to search for food and moisture. Some species will build nests inside interior spaces when the weather outdoors becomes too cold or otherwise unfavorable. The one thing stopping ants from invading your home is the condition of its exterior. Gaps, cracks, and other damage are gateways to a future ant infestation.
Tips To Keeping Your Yard And Home Ant-Free!
If you are looking for how to prevent ants, we recommend starting with some general DIY tips and tricks. Here are a few ant-prevention tips to start with today.
- Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes found around your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your window/door screens are not damaged and are in good repair.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Keep your home clean and tidy.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Address moisture issues.
DIY strategies will help reduce your chances of an ant infestation. They will not, however, fully solve your problem. To make sure these pests stay out year-round, you need a professional pest control ant treatment.
Total Ant Control with Bay Pest's Help
In order to protect your home against ants or deal with an existing infestation, let the experts at Bay Pest lend you a helping hand. Our team understands pest control in the Bay Area. We will inspect your home for existing problems and offer a solution to get and keep annoying and potentially destructive ants out year-round. Call now and schedule your Bay Area home for a service visit. Find out why we are your best option for pest control today.