Ants are common pests in any garden, yard, or field. While you may not see them in the winter, during the spring and summer, you might see them foraging around your property. Spotting even a couple of ants means that a larger ant colony is nearby.
The first step in getting rid of an ant infestation is to find out what attracts them in the first place. Here, we cover some of the common ants found in San Antonio, what you can do about them.
Common Ants in San Antonio
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are brown with heart-shaped abdomens when viewed from above. When threatened, they release an unpleasant odor and raise their abdomen over their head like a scorpion. These ants often infest damaged walls or structures.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants can be black or red and have a rounded thorax with large mandibles. They are most attracted to damp, rotted wood. When building a nest, workers will clear away wood into small piles to make passageways.
Crazy Ants
Crazy ants have very long legs and walk in a quick, erratic manner. Their colonies have more than one queen, meaning they can reproduce at alarming rates.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous House Ants smell like rotten coconut when crushed. These ants are not picky about their housing or food, meaning they will make a nest in the most unlikely of places.
Pharaoh Ants
These tiny ants have two nodes between their abdomen and thorax. Their colonies have multiple queens, meaning they reproduce quickly. They may also split their colonies by budding off into new smaller colonies.
Red Imported Fire Ants
These invasive species are reddish and highly aggressive. A single ant can bite a target several times. They leave behind itchy, painful welts.
What Attracts Ants to San Antonio Homes
Grease
Some ants prefer protein-rich, greasy foods. This is part of the reason why a trail of ants is so commonly found in the kitchen.
Moisture
Among other things, moisture can attract carpenter ants, which can then cause structural damage over time. Plants and soil are also good sources of moisture and can be used for shelter.
Shelter
Some ants are simply looking for shelter from the elements when they invade your home.
Water Sources
All living things need water, and a consistent water source is critical for an ant colony’s survival. Some ants will even leave a pheromone trail near known water sources.
Sugary Drinks and Food
Sugar is a dense source of energy for ants, making it highly desirable. Ants will gravitate to any crumbs or spills left out.
Ant Prevention Tips
No one wants to be at the mercy of an ant infestation. There are plenty of things that you can do to stop them before they arrive.
- Clean spills and crumbs immediately.
- Deep clean your kitchen once a week.
- Ensure that the screens over your windows and doors are working and don’t have any holes.
- Get rid of leftovers and old food, such as old fruits and pet food.
- Keep food in sealed containers.
- Keep the rooms in your home clean.
- Regularly empty your garbage and recycling bins.
- Repair leaky faucets and remove standing water.
- Use caulk to mulch to seal a potential entryway.
- Wipe down your counters with vinegar after every use.
Romney Pest Control: Your Expert San Antonio Ant Exterminator
If you find yourself with an ant infestation, your best bet is to call a professional to take care of the problem. If you’re not sure what the exact problem is, Romney Pest Control will inspect your home. We identify the species of ant and the location of the infestation.
The inspection allows the professionals to design a plan to eliminate any current ants and prevent future infestations. We always promise to deliver safe, dependable, and effective pest control solutions.
Call Romney Pest Control today for more information!
