What are ants?

Ants are social insects that live together in large colonies. Every colony member has a job and a purpose of helping the colony succeed. From the males and queens producing new ants to the sterile female workers who care for the young ants, gather food, and defend the nest, every ant has a role to play.

We have many ant species wandering around our outdoor spaces that regularly find a way into our California homes in our area. Two of the most common are the Argentine ant and the carpenter ant.

Argentine ants invade properties in huge numbers. They travel together in wide trails as they search for food. Their massive colony size often causes these non-native ants to displace native ant species. Argentine ants are light brown to dark brown, and workers only grow to about ¼ of an inch in length.

Carpenter ants tunnel and nest inside wood, like fallen trees, tree stumps, and, unfortunately, a home’s structural wood. Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in North America. Workers can grow up to ½ an inch in length and are typically black, red, or a combination of red and black.

Are ants dangerous?

In most children’s books and movies, ants trail across picnic blankets, and while being annoying, they don’t pose a danger, which is mainly true outside of books and films as well. Typically, ants are just an unwanted nuisance in our yards and homes. However, no matter how unproblematic they may seem, remember any ant species can spread bacteria and contaminate food; they are never a welcome discovery!

Some ant species do pose significant issues that include structural damage, spreading disease-causing pathogens, biting, and stinging. Partnering with a professional is the best way to identify the ants that have found their way to your property, eliminate them, and protect your home and family against their potential dangers.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are widespread pests. Five of the top reasons why you may be experiencing a problem with ants are described below:

1. Your property is offering these omnivores multiple sources of food.
2. There is sticky or greasy debris built up in trash cans and recycling bins.
3. Leaky pipes and faucets are offering water sources.
4. Decaying wood in your yard or home provides nesting spots for carpenter ants.
5. There are openings in your home’s exterior that allow ants to move in and out of your home.

If you are experiencing a problem with ants on your California property, we can help. Reach out to us today for the professional ant control services in Santa Rosa you need to get rid of them!

Where will I find ants?

Ants like to nest outside in the ground, under woodpiles or fallen trees, or within tree stumps, fencing, or under yard debris like brush piles. It is common to see ants trailing through our yards as they move from their nests to food sources. As ants move around our yards searching for food to gather and bring back to the nest, they regularly find a way into our homes.

If ants decide to nest inside our homes to expand their colony near food sources or because they want to escape unsuitable weather conditions, they usually build their nests in secluded places. Spaces behind wall voids, electrical equipment, electrical outlets, under floors, and inside structural wood are likely places to discover an ant nest in a California home. Their nests are usually built near moist areas near leaky windows, plumbing pipes, and sinks.