Living in Florida has many benefits, including the plentiful sunshine, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy. However, most residents of Tampa could do without all the insects that thrive in our warm, humid climate.
Ants are an example of insects that are highly successful in our region. These social insects develop large populations, and their small size and tenacity make it challenging to keep them out of our Tampa homes. To assist you in maintaining an ant-free home, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you learn about the ants in Tampa, the dangers they pose, helpful prevention strategies, and how to acquire the best ant control in Tampa!
Ant Identification: Species Found In Tampa
Many different types of ants happily call Florida home. In the Tampa area, some of the most common include:
- Acrobat ants: We identify these ants by their ability to raise their heart-shaped abdomen over their heads when disturbed.
- Crazy ants: These reddish-brown ants recognized by their erratic behaviors and movements when foraging for food.
- Ghost ants: A tropical species of ant, they received their name because their pale coloring makes them difficult to spot. They have a dark head and thorax but pale yellow abdomen and legs.
All of the above species can live successfully outdoors in Florida. Still, they won’t hesitate to move into our homes while foraging for food, to escape weather extremes, or to use it as a temperature-controlled, safe space to build a nest.
Ant Problems: Ants In The Home Can Be More Than A Nuisance
While ants are mainly promoted as nuisance pests, the truth is that these pests can pose much more than an inconvenience. Ants cause many problems, including:
- Food contamination
- Health risks
- Structural damage
- Painful bites and stings
Though ants are one of the most common insects for people to come into contact with regularly, you can’t overlook their presence when they find their way to your property.
Ant Prevention Strategies: Using Science To Keep Ants Out
Ants live in a complex social structure. Ants divide the members of their colonies into different groups, and each group has a unique role in the colony. To survive, ants have learned how to communicate with each other and work as a team effectively. When worker ants leave the nest searching for food, as soon as they find a reliable food source, they lay down a pheromone trail to alert the other colony members.
Ants are pests that are incredibly hard to control and eliminate. They have military-like communication skills and an ability to take over spaces quickly and in large numbers. Some of the most effective ant prevention tips include keeping lids on trash cans, picking up uneaten pet food, regularly washing dishes, and storing food out of their reach.
It is also vital to periodically inspect your home’s exterior and seal any spaces in the exterior that you discover. However, the best way to prevent ant infestations is to partner with a local ant control expert. At EcoTech, we know how to implement the long-term solutions necessary to get rid of ants and keep them from returning.
Expert Ant Control: Call Us At The First Sign Of Ants In The House
As soon as you notice ants moving around or inside your home, call us at EcoTech. Ants live together in vast colonies. Therefore, if you see a few ants, thousands more are nearby. The faster you partner with a professional to identify the species of ant present and treat the infestation, the better!
Our ant pest control services are always customized to meet the unique needs of our customers. You can count on us to perform the effective pest control solutions necessary to ensure your property isn’t being overrun by ants. Call now to learn more!