Ants might be one of the tinier pests in Moline, but this doesn’t mean they can’t become a big problem. There are multiple species of ants in the area, and all of them can cause issues for property owners because of their invasive nature.
Few things are more frustrating than encountering an ant infestation in your home or business, but the truth is that some species are more of a problem than others. While all ants can contaminate food sources, some can pose health issues or property damage.
Information About Pharaoh Ants
One of the more dangerous ant species in Moline is the pharaoh ant. You can identify the pharaoh ant by their yellow color and their 12-segmented antenna. And, while these small ants only get to be about 1/16th of an inch long, their small size is in contrast to the issues they cause.
Pharaoh ants can contaminate any food or food preparation surfaces they come in contact with, and they carry some dangerous illnesses such as dysentery and salmonella. While most other ants that invade your property are relatively harmless, it’s vital to clean and throw out anything that pharaoh ants touch.
Along with the risk of sickness, pharaoh ants are also very difficult to remove. Their nests tend to be very large, and they can reproduce quickly. Because of this, it can be nearly impossible to remove the entire colony on your own.
What Attracts Pharaoh Ants To A Property?
In general, pharaoh ants prefer to live outside. However, they occasionally come indoors and build their nests there. When inside, they usually build colonies inside of walls, behind baseboards, or under flooring. They are often found in commercial food processing plants, grocery stores, and even healthcare facilities.
The main reason pharaoh ants are attracted to a property is that they are in search of food and water. Just like many other ants, they will eat a variety of people and pet food, and they are especially attracted to sweet and fatty items.
Pharaoh Ant Prevention Tips
Because pharaoh ants are one of the more invasive species you’re likely to find around your home or business, it’s much easier to prevent them than it is to remove them. While you can’t guarantee that you’ll never get an infestation, you can follow some steps to help deter these ants, including:
Always clean up food or drink spills right away.
Take out the trash regularly and keep lids on all trash cans.
Keep pet food stored in airtight containers.
Regularly clean kitchen areas.
Keep pharaoh ants out by filling cracks and crevices in walls using foam insulation.
Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
Repair or replace any broken screens in both doors and windows.
Reduce humidity by fixing or replacing broken pipes and faucets.
What’s The Best Way To Control Pharaoh Ants?
It’s usually ineffective to remove these ants on your own, but there is one sure way to both prevent and eliminate pharaoh ants. The pest control experts at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators have the experience you’re looking for to remove any ant infestation, no matter how severe.
Learn more about our residential and commercial pest control plans by contacting us at (888) 672-0022 or by using our online contact form to request an inspection.