Ant Identification

What are ants?

Though small in size, ants are pests that are very difficult to avoid. Ants nest together in large colonies and work in a cooperative group to protect their nest and individual colony members. Ants are among the most common household invaders in our California service area, and have learned how to take advantage of the food, moisture, and shelter our properties offer them.

Many species of ants invade properties in our area; two of the most frequent invaders are the Argentine ant and rover ant. 

Argentine ants 

Argentine ants are small, shiny dark brown or black ants. When crushed, they produce an unpleasant musty odor. Argentine ants have extremely large colonies and form wide trails when they travel together while searching for food. Argentine Ants in the San Diego area are a nuisance pest.

Rover ants 

Adult rover ants are tiny in size and range in color from pale yellow to blackish-brown. On close inspection, you can tell rover ants from most other ants because of their nine-segmented antennae; most ants have twelve-segmented antennae. Other physical features include large eyes compared to the size of the head and a humped thorax.

Are ants dangerous?

Most ants are thought of as nuisance pests as they don’t cause significant problems for people and our structures. However, that doesn’t mean anyone wants their yard or home filled with these annoying pests. No one should have a kitchen overrun by ants that will contaminate surfaces and food with the bacteria they carry on their bodies. 

Though ants are not dangerous in the same way other animals like toothy tigers are, some species do pose significant problems. Ants, depending on the species, can bite, sting, transmit disease-causing pathogens, and damage structural wood and electrical equipment. 

Ants, while common pests, should never be allowed to become a fixture in our homes.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are mainly scavengers and feed on things like seeds, proteins, sweets, grease, honeydew produced by garden aphids, and almost anything else they come across. Their varied diet means that nearly any of our region’s yards could attract hungry ants. Some of their most common foraging sites include:

• Trash cans and recycling bins
• Gardens and compost piles
• Pet food and bird feeders
• Outdoor eating areas and grills

Where will I find ants?

In addition to food, ants enjoy properties that offer them suitable breeding sites and easy access to water. Depending on the species, ants like to nest in various spots.

Preferring to build their outdoor nests in damp soil, Argentine and rover ants often nest in similar areas, including the soil along sidewalks, next to foundations, under logs, in woodpiles, under landscaping ties, or in rock piles. The soil near pools and overwatered garden areas also attract rover and other ant species.

Argentine ants, rover ants, and many other ant species that move into structures often choose spaces behind walls, behind large appliances, or under floors to build their nests. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces are all places we may find ants in our homes. 

Identifying nesting sites and the ants using them is tricky and is best left up to a professional. At the first sight of ants trailing through your yard or home, contact us at Green Flash Pest Control for assistance.

How do I get rid of ants?

With decades of experience, you can trust Green Flash Pest Control to rid your California or Arizona property of ants and other pests that want to make your property into their home. We are a locally-owned, family-based company that takes protecting our community from unwanted pests seriously. Through our wide variety of pest control services, outstanding customer care, and guaranteed solutions, you can trust the dedicated professionals at Green Flash Pest Control with all your pest control needs!

Get rid of ants in a flash by giving us a call today and speaking with one of our helpful professionals!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Taking the following measures around your property will help prevent problems with ants.

• Remove all excess food debris from eating areas both inside and outside your home.
• After eating outside, take all leftover food and drinks inside. Wipe down outdoor tables and keep grill areas free of food debris.
• Store food in the fridge or containers with airtight lids, not out in the open on counters or tables. 
• Repair the things that may produce excess moisture like leaking pipes, leaking air conditioners, or areas with poor ventilation.
• Remove things like woodpiles, leaf piles, grass piles, and other organic debris from your yard where ants can nest.
• Repair cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Install screens in windows and doors and weatherstripping around both. 
• Place covers over vents and door sweeps on exterior doors.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management options.