Ant Pest Control
Ant control can be one of the most difficult services a pest control technician can do while servicing the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Newport News areas. Ants can nest in walls, floors, attics and even in your furniture. If the wrong material is used to treat for ants you can make the infestation divide and nest in multiple areas in your home. IPM ( Integrated Pest Management) is often used when treating for ants. This is a way to limit or disrupt the natural progress of an ant infestation such as caulking entry points or removing food sources. Give Universal Pest & Termite a call for ant pest control to discuss what is best for your ant infestation. We offer FREE INSPECTION.
Why choose Universal Pest for ant pest control in Virginia? We service homes with safety in mind. We seal entry points, point out the food source and treat as needed. First and foremost, the type of ant will determine the process. Did you know that if the wrong material is applied it can split the colony? This will double the problem for your home and family. “With slab homes in Virginia Beach, says David (a Universal Pest Technician), it can be had to find the nest. This is why I make my inspection the biggest focus.” What are the key variations of the different ants?
Types of Ants
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants get their name from their ability to acrobatically raise their abdomen above their heads when disturbed. They have a heart-shaped abdomen when viewed from above. In size, they average about 5.4mm in length. Some nest near moisture; under stones, in rotting wood, inside stumps and under piles of wood.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants measure about 2.2 to 2.8 mm in length and range from light to dark brown in color. Most nest in a variety of places and are very adaptable. Their colonies are very large in size and can have close to hundreds of queens. All feed on oily household foods, honeydew and mostly sweets. Argentine ants travel in well-defined trails.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the largest of the ant family. They are polymorphic workers and can range from 6mm to 12mm. The winged swarmers can range from 18mm to 20mm in length. Swarmers usually appear in the spring and is a sign that there is a nest close by in a structure. Often mistaken for termites, Carpenter ants can damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. This will have a smooth, almost sandpaper appearance.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are reddish in color and give painful bites. The fire ant can range from 1.5 to 5mm in size. Typically nesting in the ground, a nest can sometimes be seen above ground in examples of larger colonies that, may have up to 250,000 workers. An active species, they will be very aggressive and sting any intruder. Fire ants are omnivorous, meaning they eat meat. Their bites are very painful and can be fatal to some.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants range from 2.4 to 3.3 in length. They have either dark brown or black bodies with one node on their petiole. These also have unevenly shaped thorax. They smell like rotten coconut. Fire ants will most likely enter a home or space during rain. Most prefer to feed on sweets but will settle for meats and grease if necessary.
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Call Universal Pest & Termite for all ant control and home pest control solutions. We provide pest control service at affordable rates.