The Types Of Ants In Bettendorf, IA
There are several common types of ants in Bettendorf. While they all vary in appearance and behavior, none of the ants should be welcome on your property. Carpenter ants are the most destructive because they tunnel through wood. As one of the larger ants in the area, carpenter ants have an intimidating appearance.
These ants won't do much to harm you, but they could cause significant damage to your home. Although they're not as damaging as termites, carpenter ants can cost you. Meanwhile, odorous house ants don't cause damage, but they do emit a foul odor when you crush them. They may raid your counters for sugary foods, meat, and grease.
Larger yellow ants are also prevalent in the area. They grow to approximately ¼ inch long and are yellowish-brown in color. When you crush them, larger yellow ants emit a citronella-like scent.
If you look in your cupboards, you might see one of the more common home invaders - the thief ant. It's smaller than most other local ants but is one of the most annoying. Thief ants feed on protein, grease, and other accessible food in your cupboard or pantry.
Are They Dangerous?
Out of all the ants in the area, the fire ant is the most dangerous. It has a painful bite that can trigger an allergic reaction. If you accidentally disturb a nest, you could experience multiple painful bites.
Whatever type of ant you have on your property, you won't be able to get it to leave with ease. Once ants establish colonies, they're hard to eliminate. This is why prevention is so important.
Keeping Ants Out
To protect your property, you need to take a proactive stance. But ant prevention is harder than you might think. Ants are attracted to your crumbs, garbage cans, and pantry food. They can get in through small cracks and gaps. These four tips can get you started, but it often takes an experienced professional to keep ants away.
1. Clean Regularly: How often do you sweep or vacuum your floors? If you don't do it frequently enough, you could attract ants into your home or business. Wipe off your counters after preparing a meal and clean off your floors. If any grease spills, wipe it up immediately.
2. Seal Entry Points: Most ants enter your home through small openings. If you have a broken seal around your window, ants can crawl in. They might also crawl under a gap in your door. To keep these pests out, do your best to seal up your property. Armed with a caulk gun, caulk up cracks and crevices. Replace window seals and door sweeps if necessary.
3. Seal Pantry Food: If you have open bags and boxes of food in your pantry, you'll have ants. Store your food properly using plastic or glass containers. In addition to making your property less appealing to ants, you also reduce the chance of food contamination.
4. Maintain Your Yard: When a yard is messy, it draws in all types of ants. Carpenter ants seek out moist wood, so they enjoy nesting in piles of old branches and logs. Clean up yard debris to keep ants out.
For the best results, you need professional assistance. Here at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we have several effective methods of ant prevention and elimination. We offer friendly and efficient home pest control services and a free inspection. Call us at Quik-KIll Pest Eliminators to learn more.