Ants do more than ruin picnics… especially if they wind up invading your home! Arizona is home to dozens of different ant species and they are by far one of the most common pests to have homeowners seeking help. Know your enemy with these tips about the most common Arizona ants.
Carpenter Ants
Their name may be deceiving, but carpenter ants actually do not eat wood. Instead they make their nests in dry, moist, and rotting wood. They excavate the wood in the process of building their nests, they don’t eat it, so the damage they do is less dramatic than termites. However, they can create cosmetic damage, and over time if they are not dealt with, they can weaken the structural integrity of your home.
Crazy Ants
Named for the way they rush around in erratic fashion when disturbed, crazy ants can live in both moist and dry habitats. When cold weather sets in, this species tends to migrate indoors, into your home. Not only will they eat just about anything, they also bite when disturbed.
Fire Ants
Probably one of the better-known ant species in Arizona, fire ants tend to build nests in sunny, wide open spaces, like in your backyard. Fire ant stings are painful and can even be fatal if you have a particular sensitivity to the venom they inject. A colony can include anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 ants, exponentially increasing the likelihood of suffering multiple stings. Fire ants are particularly dangerous to children and pets, so if you see a nest, call us!
Forelius Ants
This is one of the most common ants to be found in the Tucson area. This species is harmless, which isn’t to say they are not a nuisance, and they tend to be found raiding pantries and other food storage areas in your home.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are another species of the stinging and biting persuasion. They tend to build nests outdoors on patios, driveways, sidewalks, and in the foundation of your home. They can pose a threat to children and pets, especially to those with a high sensitivity to insect bites.
Odorous House Ants
As their name suggests, this type of ant, when crushed, emits a smell of rotting coconuts. They tend to build nests both inside and outside. Common places to find odorous house ant nests are in wall crevices, near heaters, under carpets, and beneath floors.
Whether you’re looking at a benign but annoying forelius ant problem or trying to protect your children and pets from the dangers of fire ants, these pests can cause major problems in and around your Arizona home. Don’t let Arizona ants take over your home, take action and call us at 520-393-3352 today! Our technicians would be more than happy to evaluate your home and provide you with a safe and effective pest control solution.