How To Tell Ants Apart?
Ants are easy to distinguish with their three body parts, six legs, elbowed antennae and variety of colors. Some of the most commonly found types in the Kansas City region include:
- Pavement ants: These ants come in black and dark brown in color, and their size is 1/8th of an inch.Ā You can find them in walls made of concreate located near the ground, cracks in the pavement and under rocks.Ā Ā
- Odorous house ants: Their color is brown and black like the carpenter ant and can grow up to 1/8th of an inch as well.Ā Odorous ants eat sweets and would rather place their nest near moisture structures.Ā If you step on this ant, it will emit an odor…Thus the odorous ant!
- Carpenter ants: They are one of the largest ants and usually are solid black.Ā They are known to gallery out wood to create a nest. If they gallery out in the wrong area, significant structural damage can be done.Ā
- Ā
The Difficulty of Removing Ant ColoniesĀ And Understanding Them
Ants come in large colonies with distinct caste system. Each ant has its role such as:Ā foraging for food, feeding larvae, and laying eggs.Ā You will find carpenter ants in hollowed out trees, moist decaying wood, and underground nesting.Ā You may see them in your home, not a good sign. They are either foraging for food, or there may be structure issue in your home such as moisture.Ā In many cases, the colony will exist outdoors near a structure.
Tips For Preventing Ants
Ants are usually found in areas that have moisture. With that said, look for areas of moisture such as gutters, downspouts, and garden hoses that may leak.Ā When inspecting your home look for cracks in the structure of that will allow ants to enter. If you find these entries seal them with the appropriate materials such as door sweeps, stripping’s for the doors and caulk or other relevant fill materials.Ā As with any insect and especially ants, clean, clean and clean.
Clean around the dog food as they know when the food is out. Clean crumbs regularly after eating. Make sure trash cans are secured tight.
Call a Professional To Eliminate Ants
You may try to do it yourself when battling ants. However, you will find that the store-bought products may handle a trail of ants but not the nest of ant infestations. These products work short term, but at the end, you will end up with an out-of-control infestation if you are not knowledgeable in and biology.Ā
A professional exterminator will inspect your home from top to bottom. You may try the DYI products, but remember, the professional eliminates ants on a daily basis in all kinds of structures.Ā Don’t waste your money on products if you are not sure you can eliminate the problem.Ā
Experienced Professional Pest Control Company In Kansas
City
Truly Green Pest Control is among the leading pest extermination companies that currently serves home and business owners in Overland Park, Kansas City, Lenexa, Olathe, North Kansas City, and Gladstone. We are one of the True natural and organic pest control companies in the Kansas City, MO area.Ā We are dedicated to the word excellence. If you are not satisfied, we are not satisfied.Ā Give us a call today to help you with your pest issues.Ā