Pest control in Los Angeles does not have to be a major headache when you have knowledge on your side. One pest that is often underestimated is the ant. Despite their stature, ants can be quite a nuisance for people and their homes.
The Types Of Ants That Invade Los Angeles Homes
There are an estimated ten quadrillion ants on the planet. To put that into perspective, ants outnumber humans roughly 1.4 million to 1. While there are over 12,000 species of ants worldwide, only about 270 live within California. In Los Angeles, the most common ant is the Argentine ant.
The Argentine ant is a native of Northern Argentina. However, it is an invasive species and has made its way around the globe. They inhabit both rural and urban areas alike. Argentine ants are about a quarter of an inch long with shiny, brown to black bodies. They are wingless and do not have stingers. These ants will only bite if provoked. However, their bite is painless and causes no known adverse health effects. If crushed, the Argentine ant will emit a must odor.
When outside, the Argentine ant prefers to live beneath stones, logs, or alongside sidewalks where moisture collects. However, the Argentine ant will move to wherever a food source and moisture can be found. Sometimes, they move into manmade structures, where they congregate around pipes, sinks, and potted plants. Argentine ant colonies can have multiple queens, and as such, they are capable of producing a huge quantity of ants, which can then invade your home. A trail of ants moving across the property is often the first sign of an infestation for Los Angeles homeowners. Argentine ants will use the same routes to move to and from their food source. They leave behind pheromones to know where they have foraged and to find their way back to the nest.
How Little Ants Can Create Big Problems In Your House
Although Argentine ants do not sting and are not venomous, they can still cause a host of problems for homeowners. They are aggressive towards native ant species and pollinators, often pushing out the native insects when they move into new territory. These aggressive behaviors can lower plant fertility, thus decreasing the amount of food farmers can produce. Argentine ants have even been known to attack poultry and beehives. Furthermore, during their expeditions for food, Argentine ants walk across sewage, trash, and dead animals. They track the bacteria from these unsavory environments back into the home, causing potential health risks and food contamination.
Natural Ways To Make Your Home Less Attractive To Ants
Although Argentine ants can be a troublesome pest to get rid of, there are a few things every Los Angeles resident should know to make their home less hospitable to ants.
- Address any leaky pipes right away - an excess of moisture and standing water is a huge attractant to Argentine ants.
- Cut back vegetation - Argentine ants use tree limbs, tall weeds, and power lines to scale houses and gain access.
- Maintain window screens - check window screens regularly to be sure there are no holes that Argentine ants can use as an access point.
- Patch up holes - ensure that any holes or cracks in siding and foundation are filled in.
- Keep food secured - keep food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills right away.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Ants In Your Home
Of course, the most effective way for any Los Angeles resident to get rid of ants is to contact a professional. An expert pest control company, like A Step Above Pest Control & Termite, can treat active infestations and prevent future ones from occurring. We are experienced and dedicated to servicing Los Angeles residents. Give A Step Above Pest Control & Termite a call today to put a stop to your ant problem.