You probably do not take ants seriously at first. You spot a few tiny ones making a little trail across your kitchen counter and just ignore them. After all, they are small and do not usually bite. Unfortunately, this small parade of ants might only be a smart of a bigger colony. The few curious explorers could be the scouting team for a much larger colony that has already found its way into your walls, floors, or the foundations of your home. Ants might not seem as alarming as other pests, but they can still bring more problems than you would expect if you do not address them early on. Learn more about why you should be worried about ants below:
Why Ants Love Your Home
Ants work constantly to survive. They search for food, water, and shelter in your home. They mainly target kitchens because of spills, crumbs, and sweet smells. Also, they might be drawn to your bathroom because of the presence of moisture. Even tiny leaks or damp areas around sinks can attract them. Ants leave a scent trail for others to follow once they find a good food or water source. That is why you may spot one or two ants and suddenly see dozens of them.
Common Types of Ants You Might See
Different species of ants have different behaviors and preferences. Also, some are more problematic than others. You might see the following around your house:
Sugar Ants. These little black or brown ants are common in your kitchen. They are harmless to people but can be a nuisance. You will a weird, rotten coconut smell when you crush a sugar ant.
Carpenter ants. Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through it to build their nests. This means they can cause serious damage to your home when left unchecked.
Pavement ants. These are usually seen on sidewalks and driveways, but they can also move indoors. These are not harmful, but they can become annoying in large numbers.
Pharaoh ants. These tiny yellowish ants are especially tricky to deal with because they can spread bacteria. They are often found in hospitals and food areas, but they can also make their way into homes.
Are Ants Dangerous?
Ants are not usually a threat in mall numbers. But they can bring problems depending on the type. Here is what you should keep in mind:
Health Risk. Some ants can contaminate your food. Pharaoh ants, in particular, have been linked to the spread of harmful bacteria. Most house ants are not dangerous, but you don’t want them crawling through your pantry or fridge.
Structural damage. Carpenter ants can weaken the structure over time if they set up a colony in your walls or wooden beams. This type of damage can be expensive to fix if caught too late.
Allergies and bites: Most ants do not bite humans, but some do. Fire ants, for example, deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people. While fire ants are more common outdoors, it’s still good to know what you're dealing with.
How to Tell If You Have an Infestation
Seeing a few ants occasionally might not mean you have a problem. But you might be dealing with an infestation, if you notice a steady trail of ants, especially near food or water sources. Also, the presence of small piles of sawdust could mean carpenter ants are tunneling through wood. Seeing nests or ant hills near your home’s foundation means you might need to call a pest control professional. In addition, you might have a more serious infestation if ants show up in several rooms in your house.
What You Can Do to Stop Them
Prevention is your first line of defense. Keeping your home clean and dry can go a long way in stopping ants from moving in. You can keep your home less attractive to ants by wiping down counters and sweeping up crumbs daily. Also, you should store food in airtight containers and take out the trash regularly. Sealing up cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation will make your home less inviting for ants.
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