The city of Dallas often experiences warm weather, which ants thrive in. Active ant season occurs in spring, summer, and fall. Many ants hibernate or die off in the winter.
During the active ant season in Dallas, ants search for food, water, and shelter. Dallas homes are excellent places for them to set up an ant colony.
Common Ants in Dallas
Many ant species live in Dallas, but these are the most common types:
- Carpenter Ants: large ants that chew wood and build colonies in wood material.
- Fire Ants: reddish-brown or black ants with venom that causes a burning sensation.
- Crazy Ants: small, venomous ants identified by erratic, rapid movements.
- Pharaoh Ants: yellow or light-brown ants with translucent bodies; one of the smallest indoor ants species.
Identifying which ants you have in your home can help you better treat and eliminate the problem.
How Do Ants Get Into My Home?
As ants forage for food and water, they can easily find their way into your home. Since these insects are so tiny, they easily squeeze through small cracks, gaps in your home’s foundation, damaged screens, and unsealed doorways.
Swarmer ants, in particular, often enter through windows and doors, as they are attracted to light.
Effective Prevention Tips During Ant Season in Dallas, TX
To keep ants away from your home, you need to remove attractants. Follow these easy tips to prevent ants during the season.
Eliminate Food Sources
Clean up food spills and messes as soon as they happen, and avoid leaving crumbs and sticky, sweet substances on your counters.
Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink, and be sure to seal all of your food in airtight containers. Use a lid on your trash can and take your trash out daily.
Minimize Water Sources
Make sure your home has proper ventilation to avoid moisture accumulation. If you have leaky pipes or dripping faucets, repair them as soon as possible. If moisture is a problem in your home, try using a dehumidifier.
Maintain Your Yard
Maintain a clean and well-manicured yard. Trim bushes and tree branches, get rid of leaf and weed piles, and remove other sedentary debris and trash.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for gaps and crevices and seal them off with caulk or sealant putty. Check out all the doors and windows and make necessary repairs to screens.
What To Do if You Get Ants
Despite the tiny size of an ant, an infestation can be a huge problem. DIY prevention can help, but it’s best to protect your home from these insects all year round.
At Romney Pest Control, we offer customized pest control programs for ants as well as cockroaches, rodents, and other invasive pests. Call us and get a free quote today!
