With roughly 10,000 known ant species worldwide, it's no surprise that ant infestations are so incredibly common throughout the United States. These ant species vary from nuisance infestations to dangerous infestations; where nuisance ants merely pose a threat of food contamination, dangerous ants come with the added threat of property damage and aggressive behavior. Thankfully, there are plenty of preventative steps you can take to keep them out.
Most Common Greensboro Ants
Unfortunately, the only evidence of an ant infestation is discovering the ants already within or around your home. You'll most likely find these critters prowling your abode:
- Little Black Ants
- Cornfield Ants
- Larger Yellow Ants
- Carpenter Ants
- Red Imported Fire Ants
Nuisance Ants in Greensboro
Little black ants are incredibly tiny, and their minuscule stingers are virtually ineffective against humans. These ants will readily nest under carpets and in wall cavities, and they'll eat just about anything that humans eat. If there's an abundance of food left lying around for them to find, they will happily gather up anything they can get their mandibles around.
Larger yellow ants may look intimidating with their 1/4th inch size, but they're extremely shy. Only venturing out at night to forage, they're more likely to run and hide if you manage to encounter them. It's very rare to find them indoors, as they primarily feast on honeydew from aphids, mealybugs, and other small insects. They're more likely to make nests in and around patios.
Dangerous Ants in Greensboro
Carpenter ants are known to be one of the largest ants in the world, and their coloring ranges from light tan to black and every color in between. They pack a powerful bite, and they create serious devastation to your home's structural integrity. These unwanted house guests can cost a fortune in repairs.
Cornfield ant coloring ranges from red, brown, and black, and their size varies drastically as well. They will very rarely seek shelter in a home, but they will invade if they find ample food sources. These ants enjoy consuming other insects, seeds, and sweets. They do bite, though it's more of an irritant than life-threatening; the real danger they pose is to your lawn and garden. Cornfield ant nests create craters in lawns and garden areas, and their presence around your home can cause further wood damage if carpenter ants have already left their mark.
Red imported fire ants pack more than just a painful bite. These reddish to dark brown nightmares have also been known to destroy electrical wiring and create health problems in livestock, especially during birthing months. They won't seek shelter indoors, but they may seek out food if you have greasy morsels lying around. They're incredibly aggressive, and their bites leave little red welts that form white pustules.
How Did Ants Get Into My Greensboro Home, And Why Did They Stay?
As you may already know, ants are usually very small. They can find their way through many cracks and crevices, especially if you own an older house in need of even the smallest repairs. Most common entrances and areas that may need patching include:
- Poorly insulated windows and outside leading door frames
- Small cracks in the foundation
- Leaky pipes leading outside that have caused water damage
- Previous pest damage, such as termites and rodents
Ants seek out shelters that provide desirable habitation and ample food sources. Most ants enjoy warm, damp living arrangements, so areas with the most water damage such as kitchens, bathrooms, and washrooms are the most likely to attract them. Investing in a dehumidifier for these particularly moist rooms may be crucial in keeping them out. Making sure to keep your counters and floors free of food spills and crumbs is also a very important step in protecting your home against ant infestations.
Time To Serve That Eviction Notice
If you find that your Greensboro home is overrun with these pesky critters, it may be time to get in contact with your local pest control company. Ridding your home of an ant infestation isn't only daunting; store-bought pesticides can be toxic and incredibly harmful to you, your family, and your pets. Thankfully, Go-Forth Home Services not only knows what it takes to keep your home secure against pests, we also use top-of-the-line pest control equipment and pesticides that are safe for you and your loved ones. With over 50 years of experience, we work hard to keep your family safe, and even harder to keep those pests from coming back. So give us a call today to schedule your next pest control appointment. We look forward to serving you!