Most people underestimate the harm ants can do. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they can’t do big things. They are able to rapidly multiply and inhabit your Philadelphia home or business. They crawl around with bacteria that can cause human illnesses by contaminating food and surfaces. Some can bite you and make you sick. Others can literally destroy your property. It’s best to know which species have these abilities so you can be on the lookout for them. Most of all, you need to know how to prevent and/or eliminate them with the assistance of M.A.D. Exterminators.
Which Ants Are Most Hazardous?
Fire, carpenter, and pharaoh ants are among the most detrimental and/or lethal. Fire ants range from 1/16 to ⅕ of an inch in size. They have reddish bodies and black stingers at the bottom. They’re usually outside because they love the sun and warm temperatures. Plants, dry fields, mulch, and grass sod are perfect nesting grounds for them. Being close to a property via a lawn is how they eventually come indoors. To catch prey, they use their venom-filled mandibles and stingers. Humans will have irritated skin or an allergic reaction if they come in contact with these ants. They’ll likely experience a burning sensation once they’ve been stung. An itchy, red bump will then appear. One should seek medical attention if they begin to sweat or feel nauseous. If you see fire ant mounds outside, you might have an infestation.
Carpenter ants are ¼ to ½ of an inch long. While most are black, they can be reddish-black, red, brown, orange, tan, or yellow. Their workers have large front mandibles, and their swarmers have wings. Outside, they live in trees and logs. Inside, they’ll take up residence in lumber, walls, and support beams. They can make wood fragile and create structural and cosmetic damage. Infestation signs include seeing wood shavings and swarmers, having hollow foundations, and hearing rustling inside walls.
Pharaoh ants are usually 1/8 of an inch long. They’re yellow or yellow-brown and have red and black abdominal marks. They prefer warmth and moisture and will feed on proteins, sweets, fats, and other bugs. Gardens, walls voids, floorboards, pipes, fabrics, and dark areas are their favorite places to dwell. Pharaoh ants in particular can spread salmonella and dysentery, which is especially concerning. Seeing their amber-colored workers are a prime indication they’ve taken over.
All three of these ant groups are common in homes. Citronella and sugar ants frequent Philadelphia spots too, but they aren’t as threatening. But, as mentioned, fast reproduction and germs are troublesome with every type of ant.
How Can Ants Be Prevented?
You can ward off ants with these actions:
Seal entry points, like cracks in foundations, windows and screens.
Keep greenery distanced from your property.
Use air-tight storage containers for food.
Regularly vacuum, remove trash, and clean the kitchen.
What Can M.A.D. Exterminators Do About Ants?
Ants can be tough to get rid of on your own. You can skip all the trial and error, wasted money, frustration, and worry by calling M.A.D. Exterminators. Our specially trained technicians will be able to quickly identify what ants are on your property and where they are living. They’ll have the tools necessary to thwart that specific pest. Before they leave, they’ll provide you with helpful information to prevent a resurgence. Whether you need precautionary or eradication services, we have you covered.
M.A.D. Exterminators has been in business since 1983, and we are proud members of national and state pest control associations. Your home or establishment will be in capable hands with M.A.D. Exterminators! Call us today for a free inspection.