Pests are exhausting to deal with. It seems like no matter what you do, insects and creatures will find a way to penetrate your Dallas home or business. You may clean your space from the top to the bottom. Still, you could have repeated problems with critters. The key in a lot of situations is to pin down how the creepy crawlers are getting in. Also, you’ll need to find where they are creating nests. Discovering this isn’t always an easy task. The tinier a pest is, the harder it will be to track them. This certainly applies to ants.
Ants often hide in spots that are hard to reach. That isn’t the only obstacle with them, either. They reproduce with speed and carry illness-causing bacteria on their bodies. After they contaminate your food and surfaces, you might contract salmonella or worse. In addition to these risks, harvester ants have their own brand of damage. Learn about them now and how Romney Pest Control can stop them.
How Do Harvester Ants Look & Behave? What Are the Dangers?
Harvester ants range in size, from 1/4 to just under 1/2 inches long. Their bodies are stout and have a reddish tint. Being natural diggers, they are a disaster for lawns and fields. Land that has particularly sandy soil is a draw for them. They’re also attracted to gardens and bird areas because they fixate on seeds. The ground mounds they build can be quite extensive, leaving an ugly gap that appears barren. This is sometimes the only sign of infestation property owners will see. You might also detect a noticeable scent.
While harvester ants may be primarily outdoor bugs, it isn’t impossible for them to come inside your home or business. Holes around foundations, windows, and doors are typical entry points for harvester ants. These insects can be aggressive, so keep your eyes open for them. If they bite or sting you, it will be extremely painful. They have venom and can strike many times. Individuals who have responses to bee and wasp stings are all but guaranteed to feel the effects of a harvester ant bite and sting. In any case, expect mild to severe symptoms:
- Anaphylaxis
- Breathing difficulties
- Sneezing
- Skin hives, itching, or irritation
- Facial swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest tightness
- Sudden decrease in blood pressure
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Diarrhea
- Coma
There are too many factors that dictate the outcome of being bitten or stung by a harvester ant. Age and general health play a role, as well as how many times you were attacked in a single incident. The intensity of one’s allergies has to be taken into account too. Since there is no way of predicting the results, it’s wise to seek medical attention after an encounter with a harvester ant.
How Can Harvester Ants Be Prevented?
Take these actions to deter ants of any kind:
- Close holes around screens, windows, foundations, and utility lines.
- Put sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Cut your grass and greenery often. Sit flowers and plants a few feet from your exterior walls.
- Clean up food messes immediately.
- Put food and garbage in airtight canisters. This goes for pet meals as well.
- Wash dishes, and kitchen countertops, and panties often.
- Regularly vacuum and take out the trash.
- Repair moisture issues and leaks.
What Can Romney Pest Control Do About Harvester Ants?
The trained and skilled technicians at Romney Pest Control have a thorough approach to exterminating troublesome insects and creatures. Widespread inspections of both the interior and exterior are done to locate all entryways and nests. Advanced, safe, and custom treatments will be applied. Afterward, our team will check-in to ensure all is well. Receive comprehensive and quality care! Call us today for a free quote!
