Of all the pests that bug people here in Everett, ants are among the worst. These insects are all over the place. They build nests in lawns, inside wall voids, and sometimes inside wood. They also invade living areas as frequently as possible to search for food and moisture.
If you are currently struggling against these pests and want a fast solution to get and keep them out of your home, this article will cover some things to consider about pest control in Everett. For help handling an active problem indoors, call Guard Pest Control. We are licensed to handle ants and all sorts of other pests that cause homeowners trouble.
Identifying Common Ant Species
There are too many types of ants in Everett to teach you how to identify each one of them in this article. Fortunately, a lot of local species are much less common than others. Four species we highly recommend that you know how to identify are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and pharaoh ants.
Odorous house ants are 1/16 to 1/18 of an inch long, brown or black, and have unusually shaped abdomens. These pests also smell like rotten coconut when squished.
Carpenter ants are 5/8 of an inch long, red, black, or red and black, and have large heads and mandibles. These pests build their nests out of structures of wood like fallen trees, stumps, and lumber found inside homes.
Pavement ants are 1/8 of an inch long and dark brown to black. These pests build large nests along paved areas like sidewalks, driveways, and streets.
Pharaoh ants are 1/16 of an inch, pale yellow, and have dark-colored abdomens. This odd-colored pest likes to crawl in and out of trash cans and other dirty areas.
If you need help with ant identification inside your home, do not hesitate to involve our team at Guard Pest Control. We have the training and knowledge required to spot and identify different local species and would be happy to assess what types of ants are causing trouble inside or around your house.
An Ant Infestation Can Be More Than Just A Nuisance
Before we talk more about ant control in Everett, you should understand why these pests are such a big problem here in Everett. Not every common species presents a big threat to your health or home. In fact, the majority of local ants are just annoying. The two biggest problem species are pharaoh ants and carpenter ants.
Pharaoh ants are known for contaminating food and surfaces with harmful bacteria. Two diseases you might contract from these pests include salmonellosis and staphylococcus.
On the other side of things, there are carpenter ants. Although these pests can bite, they are better known for chewing through structural wood to create their nests. You heard us right.
Carpenter ants build their nests within the structural wood of homes, leading to serious damage and a pretty notable repair bill. Thankfully, there are options to control both problematic and harmless local species.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of An Ant Infestation
Once ants invade a home, they will not go away on their own. The absolute best way to stop these pests before they cause serious issues is with professional control.
At Guard Pest Control, we offer advanced and effective ant control methods. Our team is licensed to handle these and other local pests that might mean you harm. All you have to do is contact our team. One of our technicians will inspect your home, evaluate your existing pest problems, and offer short and long-term solutions for ants or other invasive species.
Naturally Effective Tips To Prevent Future Ant Problems
Handling an active ant infestation on your own is extremely difficult. However, stopping these pests before they invade is a little less challenging. All you need are some basic exclusion and prevention tips.
Here are some methods to start with:
- Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, holes, and cracks. Seal these openings with some silicone caulk.
- Repair damage to window and door screens around your home.
- Keep your living areas clean and tidy.
- Store leftover food inside plastic, metal, or glass containers.
- Address moisture problems like leaky piping and fixtures.
- Wipe up moisture spills and address food messes as they occur.
Contact our team at Guard Pest Control to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Everett and make an appointment for your property.