If you are a Salt Lake City property owner, chances are you’ve seen ants around at least once. The dangers of an ant infestation can vary in severity based on the specific species. While some ants are mostly just a nuisance, others are dangerous. However, regardless of the species, ants are not welcome guests as they can grow their numbers quickly, contaminate food, and are difficult to remove.
In and around Salt Lake City, there are certain species of ant that are most common. Knowing how to identify them and tell them apart is the first step to preventing and controlling ant infestations.
Here are some of the most common ants in our area:
Carpenter ants: This species is one of the worst because they are invasive and destroy property. They tunnel through wood to make their nests, so they can end up costing property owners thousands of dollars in repairs. They are usually black or red, and they have heart-shaped heads with pincers on their face.
Pavement ants: These are the ants you probably imagine when you think of a small, black ant. They are often seen in the summer on the pavement, and they are a black-brown color. While normally found under sidewalks and stones, they can also be found in insulation and under floors.
Fire ants: This species isn’t as likely to be found inside as they tend to live in grassy areas or along fences. They are usually a dull red color and have a small stinger. Their stings can be quite painful and can lead to allergic reactions in some cases.
Six Tips For Preventing Ants Around Your Home Or Business
While not all species of ants are dangerous, they can all contaminate food and food prep surfaces. So, regardless of the species, keeping them out is important. There are some simple steps you can take to help reduce factors around your property that could be attracting ants.
Here are some of the best ways to keep ants away from your home or business:
- Store food in secure, covered containers when possible.
- Keep pet food stored with a secured lid.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Keep outdoor garbage cans fitted with lids.
- Sweep and vacuum often.
- Clean up food and drink spills right away.
Five Tips To Keep Ants From Coming Inside
The first step in ant prevention is to follow tips that make your property less appealing for these pests, and the second step in prevention is to make it harder for ants to get inside in the first place.
There are some simple things you can do to seal entry points where ants commonly sneak indoors, such as:
Install door sweeps.
- Put up weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Make sure that screens don’t have holes or rips.
- Look for and seal holes in the walls and foundation of the building.
- Check that doors and windows are fitted tightly in their frames.
The Best Protection From Ant Infestations
Ants can be hard to get rid of because they are so small and good at hiding in hard to reach places. The best way to get help with ant prevention or to get rid of a current infestation is to contact the pest control professionals at Pest Pro Pest Control. We can handle any kind of ant infestation in the Salt Lake City area, and we will work with you to make an individualized ant control program that fits your needs. Give us a call today.