Ant Identification & Prevention

Ants live all around us, and you can come into contact with them in almost any outdoor space: wooded areas, fields, meadows, riverbanks, parks, and, unfortunately, our backyards. 

An ant’s physical appearance will vary slightly by species, but in general, you can identify ants by their three distinct body segments, short, bent antennae, and six legs. Because ants are so common, they are an insect most people are familiar with and can easily identify. Ants are social insects, so where there is one ant, many more will be nearby.

Some of the most common species of ants to call the Goldsboro region home include:

• Carpenter ants

• Field ants

• Fire ants

• Little black ants

• Odorous house ants

• Pavement ants

• Pharaoh ants

If you ever spot large numbers of ants in your yard or moving around inside your home, contact a Goldsboro ant control expert. The experienced professionals at Arrest A Pest Exterminators can help you identify the species present and provide the treatment necessary to take back your indoor and outdoor spaces from them.

Ants seem like unassuming pests, and for the most part, ants do not pose significant dangers to people or our property. However, ants live together in large numbers and can quickly overwhelm your yard or home. When ants enter our houses, they are a huge annoyance and can contaminate surfaces and food with bacteria and other pathogens.

In Goldsboro, three types of ants pose significant dangers and require immediate action to eliminate them: carpenter ants, fire ants, and pharaoh ants. 

Carpenter ants like to tunnel through and create nesting galleries in pieces of wood. When nesting in a  home’s structural wood, their presence, over time, can cause serious structural damage. Fire ants are tiny but mighty ants; they are aggressive and defend themselves and nest through painful, venom-filled stings. Their presence in your yard can make it impossible for you and your family to enjoy your outdoor space. We consider pharaoh ants dangerous because they transmit pathogens that can make people seriously ill. If you ever suspect dangerous ants are on your property, immediately reach out for help.

Ants become a problem in and around our Goldsboro homes because they offer them a suitable place to call home. Our yards and gardens offer multiple nesting sites and food sources. Things like dripping hoses, leaky air conditioners, and damaged pipes provide them with the moisture they crave. 

Food odors and a respite from unsuitable outdoor weather conditions are the two most common things to drive ants indoors. Their small size allows them to move through minor defects in your home’s exterior easily. Some ants will move in and out of your home each day, gathering crumbs and other food sources, while others decide to build a nest and become permanent family members.

Most ants prefer to live outside; the exception to this rule is the pharaoh ant, which has adapted to primarily living indoors. Where they build their nests outside depends mainly on their species, but most ants prefer to nest in the damp soil found under things like fallen trees, tree stumps, landscaping ties, and mulch. The fire ant prefers to nest in open, sunny areas, and the carpenter ant prefers to nest in wet or decaying pieces of wood.

Inside our homes, it is common to see ants walking in trails across floors, counters, and other surfaces as they forage for food. They are not pests that hide their presence from you. If they build a nest within your home, ants typically choose secluded areas like wall voids, attic spaces, crawl spaces, and spaces behind windows or doors.

The only surefire way to completely get rid of ants is to seek the help of a pest control professional. You can trust the experts at Arrest A Pest Exterminators and our over two decades of industry experience to solve your home's pest problems. We are a small, locally owned business that understands the unique pest pressures homeowners in North Carolina face. 

To eliminate your home’s ant infestation, we will begin with an inspection to better understand the problem at hand. Then, we treat your home to eliminate the active ant infestation and prevent them from returning in the future. Our professionals will then recommend a follow-up treatment schedule, typically consisting of monthly or quarterly visits. We are here to help you keep your home free of ants and our region’s other structural pests. Call today to learn more!

In conjunction with our pest control services, you can help prevent problems with ants in the future with the help of the following tips:

• Always keep tight-fitting lids on trashcans, recycling bins, and compost bins. 

• Maintain a clean kitchen, regularly wiping down surfaces, sweeping up crumbs, and washing dirty dishes.

• Practice proper food storage by keeping dry goods in airtight containers and perishables in the refrigerator. 

• Eliminate excess moisture using dehumidifiers or making appropriate repairs. 

• Regularly inspect your home’s exterior, repairing any cracks or gaps you discover.

Please reach out for detailed information about home pest control and commercial pest control in Goldsboro or a free estimate!