Ants are a rather common household pest in Utah County, and you’re likely to see them in or around your property at one point or another. However, not all infestations are equally bad. There are some species in the area that are simply nuisance pests while others pose health risks or cause property damage.
While there are distinct species of ants, overall they have a similar appearance. The following traits can help identify ants:
- They have three segments: a head, thorax, and gaster(abdomen).
- They have a small node, or waist, that connects their thorax and abdomen.
- They have antennae and six thin legs.
Even less dangerous ant species in the area can become a problem as their numbers grow inside your home. All ant species can contaminate food, and they can be hard to get rid of because of their large colonies and small bodies.
More About Nuisance Ants In Utah County
There are multiple species of nuisance ants in Utah County, but the most common by far is the pavement ant. These are the ants you usually notice outside on the sidewalk, but they can get inside through cracks in concrete and siding. They are a dark brown color and look almost shiny.
Another invasive nuisance ant species in the area is the Argentine ant. This invasive species doesn’t bite or chew through wood, but they have extremely large colonies. They are a light to dark brown color.
While nuisance ants aren’t known to be dangerous or to cause property damage, they can be a problem because of their numbers. Ants can start in one room and easily spread throughout your home. They may not spread any harmful disease to humans, but they can contaminate food sources and food preparation surfaces meaning you'll need to throw out anything they’ve touched.
Destructive And Dangerous Ants In Utah County
The two main ants in the area that can pose health risks or cause property damage are carpenter ants and fire ants.
Carpenter ants are one of the worst species to encounter because they do a lot of damage to property as they tunnel through wood to make nests. While they aren’t quite as destructive as termites, and they don’t actually eat wood, they can do significant property damage over time. Carpenter ants are a black or red color with heart-shaped heads and pincers.
Fire ants are the main species in the area that both bite and sting. They are a reddish-brown color and have a small stinger at the end of their abdomen. Their bites and stings can be quite painful and leave you with a burning, itching sensation. While most people won’t have a severe medical reaction, some people can end up in the hospital if they are allergic. Because of their aggressive and territorial nature by disturbing a fire ant nest you may be putting yourself at risk of multiple painful stings from a swarm of angry ants. Allergy or not, you'll want to avoid this at all costs.
Keep Ants Out For Good
No matter the species you don't want to deal with ants around your Utah County home. The experts at Pest Pro Pest Control can provide prevention assistance and removal of all ants common to the area. We provide a focus on custom pest control plans and flexible scheduling, so you don’t have to keep worrying about ant infestations. Give us a call to learn more about our ant control options or to request a free inspection.