Ants are very social insects, so once one of these pests decides your home is a good place to set up
camp, it invites all its friends to tag along. Once ants have entered your home and found a reliable food
source, they can be very difficult to get rid of. Being able to quickly identify an ant infestation will save
you money, time, and a whole lot of headache. So let's get familiar with these tiny pests and discover
not only why they're in your Buckeye home, but what you can do to get rid of them.
Types Of Ants That Are Common In Buckeye Arizona
There are a few species of ant that love making their way into Buckeye homes. And while
most of them don't pose a health risk, they're still a nuisance that no one wants around. Below are the three most common types of ants you may find in your home.
Odorous House Ants
The odorous house ant gets its name from the rotten coconut smell they emit after being crushed.
Like most ants, they're small — 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, darker-colored, and have an
unevenly shaped thorax. These ants are attracted to sugars, meat, and moisture, which makes the
walls nearest to your kitchen a perfect nesting spot.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants have a reputation for being one of the toughest ant infestations to deal with,
thanks to their ability to reproduce very quickly. Their nests can support multiple queens, which
means large colonies that can number in the tens of thousands. Argentine ants are dark brown or
black and shiny, and measure 1/16 to 1/4 inch long. These critters absolutely love moisture, so
you're likely to find them in damp areas in and around your home.
Carpenter Ants
As their name would suggest, carpenter ants love being around wood, where they build their
nests. They chew through the wood in your walls and foundation, leaving behind tiny trails of
sawdust. While carpenter ants may not infest your home at the scale of Argentine ants, they can
be just as hazardous due to their ability to damage your home's structure.
What Attracts Ants And How Do They Get in?
Ants are motivated by many of the same things we are as humans, and on the top of that list is
free food! Ants see your kitchen as a family potluck, but the only thing they're bringing is their
appetite and a whole bunch of their friends.
Ants also need a reliable water source to survive. This makes broken pipes, roof leaks, and
accumulated condensation potential ant attractants.
Some species of ant are also attracted to houseplants and flowers. While they may not eat your
plants, they tend to enjoy the moisture and shelter a potted plant provides.
Ants make their way into your home through gaps and cracks in your home's exterior. This
includes cracks in weatherstripping around doors and windows, gaps in your foundation, or even
under your flooring. If ants find even the smallest opportunity to enter your home, they'll take
full advantage.
How To Reduce The Chance Of Ant Infestation
To prevent and eliminate ant infestations, you'll certainly want to call a professional but there are
a few steps you can take to make ants feel unwelcome:
Keep surfaces in your home clean.
Seal off cracks and entrances.
Store food in sealed containers
Reduce the clutter in and around your home.
Why You Should Call Triton
Because of their small size and large numbers, ants can be very difficult to deal with. At Triton
Pest Control, we have years of experience preventing and eliminating ant infestations in a safe
and effective manner. We are known as one the tope pest control providers in Buckeye with a reputation of top customer service, and 100% effective Pest Control treatments. We offer high-quality, effective monthly service that will eliminate any existing ant problems, and help prevent any future infestations. Schedule your service online today or contact us for any pest control questions.