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Ants

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What Are Ants?

Ants are small insects that live in large colonies. The Formicidae family is comprised of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Evidence shows that ants developed in the world from stinging insects. The ant colony includes workers, soldiers, the queen, and swarmers. Scientists believe there are between 12,000 and 14,000 ant species. Their unique characteristics – segmented body, six legs, two antennas, and slender waist – make them easy to identify. The workers have virtually one goal in mind, which is to ensure the queen’s survival. They have a broad range of responsibilities, including building tunnels, foraging for food, and constructing nests for the queen and the young. Thousands of ant sightings are reported in Miami, Florida, each year.

Why Is My Home Infested With Ants?

Your home was initially targeted by ants because it has the essentials of living – food, shelter, and water. First, it had to be accessible. The ant’s small body allows them to access the tiniest crevice, crack, and hole. These insects generally access targeted homes and businesses through tiny openings around entrance doors, windows, garage doors, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring. If a home has the essentials an ant needs to survive, it will be a major target, especially if it is unaware. Ant sightings are more common to the kitchen and dining room than any other area of the home. This is where they will spend most of their time foraging for food.

Do Ant Infestations Pose Health Risks To Humans And Pets?

Ants have been linked to food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella, shigella, and Escherichia coli (E-coli).  The red ant species bite has been linked to skin infections. The bite generally begins are a red, pen tip-sized, raised dot that grows into a pustule. If not properly treated, the bite will develop into a skin infection that will continue to spread to the surrounding areas. To eliminate the risk of developing foodborne illnesses associated with ants, proper disposal of contaminated food is crucial. Never try to save contaminated food to save a little money because the risk of developing a foodborne illness is sometimes unavoidable.

How To Eradicate An Ant Infestation?

An ant infestation can be complex when a large colony is involved. The key to fully eradicating an ant infestation is a visual inspection from top to bottom. Our ant inspection is designed to target the targeted areas – kitchen and dining room – in the home. We start in these areas, working our way to the other less-common areas until we find every ant nest in the impacted home.

Is DIY Pest Control Effective Against Ant Infestations?

It can be in the early phases of the infestations. However, over-the-counter pesticides are not nearly powerful enough to do any damage to a moderate- to severe-ant infestation. We recommend our professional pest control service utilizing commercial-grade chemical pesticides and traps. Inexperienced handlers pose a risk of contaminating vital food sources and preparation areas due to their lack of skill.

When Can I Expect The Exterminator To Arrive After My Request Is Submitted?

We can generally dispatch a licensed exterminator and/or other ant control technician to a client’s home within 24 to 48 hours of their initial pest control request.

Are Ant Pesticides Harmful Or Safe?

Chemical-based pesticides contain toxins that pose health risks to humans and animals. To minimize these risks, our extermination team heed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pesticide handling and administration recommendations and regulations. EPA-approved pesticides are deemed “safe” when handled and administered properly or per the manufacturer’s directions.

How To Prevent Future An Infestations?

Once a home is once again deemed ant-free, its pest barrier needs to be rebuilt and improved. We suggest sealing off all potential ant access points around doors, windows, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring. Even the tiniest opening is enough for an ant to gain access to your home. Once inside, the havoc begins. Remember, it only takes a single ant to create a full-blown infestation. We will help you create a food storage system for your home, layout a plan to rebuild and improve your pest barrier, and teach every household member about ant management. Please feel free to contact our local office in Miami, Florida, to request your free in-home ant inspection.

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