There are over 12,000 species of ants in the world. Fortunately, only a few of them commonly infest Texas homes. In our Dallas/Fort Worth service area, the most common types of ants we see are pyramid ants, fire ants, pharaoh ants, crazy ants, Argentine ants, harvester ants, and carpenter ants. We say “types of ants” because there are more than one species of some of these ants. As an example, there are twelve known species of carpenter ant in the state and it is important to know which type of carpenter ant you’re dealing with because not all carpenter ants present a threat to your property. Let’s take a look into the most common ant species in our area and the threats the common ants of Dallas/Fort Worth can present to your home and to your family.
Structural Pests
Some carpenter ant species damage the wood of man-made structures. Over time, this damage can accumulate and lead to serious problems. This is because they chew galleries on the inside of wood and weaken structural timbers.
Biting Pests
Some ants bite. On the top of the list of biting ants is the red imported fire ant. When these ants invade your yard, you’re going to know it. But keep in mind that fire ants only bite to cling onto your skin. The painful welts they create are caused by a sting delivered by the stingers on the tips of their abdomens. A sting from a fire ant is venomous and for those who are allergic, it can be dangerous.
Health Threats
Most of the ants we deal with in our Dallas/Fort Worth homes don’t damage the structure of our homes or inflict harmful stings. They mostly are a nuisance. But keep in mind that nuisance ants can still present a health threat to you and your family. They can pick up harmful bacteria from rotting organic matter in your trash and carry the invisible organisms to your dishes, silverware, cutting boards, and food, which can lead to stomach illness.
What To Do About Ants In Dallas/Fort Worth
When you invest in a residential pest control plan from Romney Pest Control, you get ongoing protection from all of the common Texas ants that can damage your property and make you sick. You also get coverage for other pests that are far more dangerous than ants. Take a moment to reach out to us and learn more about the common pest threats in our area or schedule to meet with one of our licensed and experienced pest control professionals. We’re standing by to help!
