Ants

What are Ants?

Ants are eusocial insects that are related to wasps and bees. There are close to 13, 800 species that have been cataloged. Ants range in size from 0.030 to 2 inches long and the Queen is usually about 2.5 inches long and vary in color.

Ants prefer a diet of nectar, fungus and seeds. One interesting fact about ants is that they can carry up to 5,000 times their body weight when carrying food and materials they need to take back to their community. Ants share traits in common with the yellow jacket wasp since their head’s shape and size both look very similar.

In New Jersey and the surrounding North Eastern states, the most common ants are carpenter ants, pavement ants, and citronella ants.

Are Ants dangerous?

Some ants are a danger to humans, since all types of ants are capable of biting using their mandibles and mouth to pinch the skin if they feel threatened. Their bites can cause some pain or irritation or both but they are not dangerous. However, if you do not clean and care for the wound it can become irritated or even infected.

Some Fire ants have stingers which they can use to sting you instead of biting. When a Fire Ant stings you they inject venom which can lead to serious issues such as a life-threatening reaction in some cases. If this venom causes an allergic reaction, it may cause swelling of the throat which can make it difficult to breathe. In these cases, and of because of these dangers, preventing ants, especially Fire ants from entering your yard or house is a must.

What effects do Ants have on my home or business?

Many New Jersey homeowners may not realize that ants can cause property damage similar to damage caused by termites. Carpenter ants can also cause significant damage to wood structures over time. Carpenter ants cause damage by creating nests in hollow areas and in wood that is moist from decay. Ants dont eat the wood, instead, they tunnel through it. Since the majority of damage is hidden from view usually inside walls and near window, door frames, around decks, porches and other wood surfaces, many homeowners are completely unaware of an infestation.

However, if you notice an infestation, it would be a good idea to call Service 24 Pest Control since by the time you actually see an ant they have already moved in to your property and brought along all their family members.

Without any proper ant treatment, your New Jersey residential or commercial property may become the source of stress and anxiety created by annoying and intrusive pests in your home or business.

Having ants in or around your business will definitely seem alarming to customers since ants like to get into food or into items where they can travel with you. Let’s not forget that red ants actually bite which causes painful irritation due to venom transmission. Their mere presence can have a negative effect on your business since some other pests actually prefer ants as a food source

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How do I prevent Ants?

There are a few things you can do to keep ants away from your New Jersey home or business. Keep your house clean and put food away since ants are attracted to sugary liquids like spills such as honey, maple syrup and soda. Try your best to get rid of damp spots and rooted wood near showers, windows and other wet spots in the basement that require attention. You can also put down ant-bait traps so that ants can take the sugary bait back to their colony and share it with the of the colony which will ultimately control the population. Be sure that you keep these baits away from children and pets.

Seal up entry points like torn screens near windows, and window cracks. If you are unable to keep them away from your home or business, then its time to call in the professionals. Controlling an ant infestation is best handled by professionals. These pests will return to your residential or commercial property will require ongoing ant maintenance.

Protect your home or business from Ants with Service24 Pest Control.

Service24 Pest Control offers expert and professional treatment designed to effectively control and prevent pests from invading and taking over your New Jersey residential or commercial properties. Call Service24 Pest Control today for your free estimate at 215-431-1853 or request an estimate today!

Other Common New Jersey Household Pests

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