Ants are common, but they're more than just picnic pests. Ants invade San Diego's homes, causing problems for homes all over. If you need ant control and pest control in San Diego, contact Allswell Here. We provide high-quality, safe, and effective pest control.
Everything You Need To Know About Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are about an eighth of an inch long and dark brown or black. They got their name because they like to nest in cracks in the pavement. They'll infest walls, insulation, and underneath floors when they get inside buildings. Pavement ants eat almost everything—insects, seeds, bread, meat, and anything in their path. The clearest sign of a pavement ant infestation is seeing trails of ants going to or from food and water sources.
In the spring and summer, queen and drone pavement ants fly from the nest to find mating partners. New queens and drones are more significant than worker pavement ants, and they have wings. Around this time, colonies of ants defend their territories in battles against other colonies. This happens because, as queens and drones mate, they form new colonies that must claim their own space.
Everything You Need To Know About Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants look very similar to pavement ants. They're the same size and are also dark brown or black. However, odorous house ants can be easily identified by one trait. When crushed, they release a very distinct odor. That smell has been compared to rotten coconut, and it's powerful.
Odorous house ants change their foraging habits throughout the year to adapt to the weather. They like to nest in warm places that are near water sources. Inside a house, that might mean wall voids by water pipes, near water heaters, beneath leaks, or in wood damaged by termites. They are more likely to enter a home after it rains.
Once an odorous house ant colony has been established, removing them is difficult. At certain points in the year, they break up the colony into smaller groups to be near multiple food sources. This happens in the spring and summer; in the winter, they come back together in one nest. Because of this, odorous ant infestations can be hard to control.
Everything You Need To Know About Fire Ants
Fire ants are an invasive species. They're the same size as pavement and odorous ants—about an eighth of an inch—but dark red. They also have stingers. You may have heard of fire ant bites. Those bites are not bites, they're stings. Most people react to a fire ant sting and develop a raised red welt. Some people may develop a more severe reaction.
Fire ants build their nests outside, usually in damp areas. Sometimes the nests are built underneath logs, rock, or other coverings; in open spaces, fire ant nests are mounds of dirt. Fire ants feed on young plants, seeds, and other insects. They can withstand cold and hot temperatures. Although they typically live outside, they can enter a home through air conditioning or HVAC systems.
Why You Should Protect Your San Diego Property With Pest Control
Ant infestations can be difficult to remove on your own. Colonies proliferate, and nests can be challenging to find. Without finding the nest, and thus the root of the infestation, ant infestations can continue growing. Allswell Here offers full ant control options for San Diego homes. Because ant infestations are usually indoors, we prioritize chemical-free and chemical last treatments. We aim to keep your family safe while removing pests, not spraying your home with pesticides. Our treatments are also eco-friendly and effective. After an inspection, we'll create a treatment plan using a variety of methods that will remove the ant infestation and keep it from coming back. Call Allswell Here today to learn more and to schedule a visit.