Varying in size, behavior, nesting locations, and food preferences, ants are highly social insects that thrive in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. These insects are one of the most common household invaders on the planet, and due to the large size of their colonies and potential for multiple nesting sites, they are a tricky pests to control.
No matter their species, the following physical characteristics help to identify ants. All ants have three body regions (head, thorax, and abdomen), a pair of bent antennae, and the reproductive members, the males and queens, are the only ants that have wings. Below are some of the most common ant species that invade homes, businesses, and yards in the Las Vegas area.
Argentine ants are shiny dark brown or black in color. These ants move in large, wide trails traveling up the sides of buildings, trees, along utility lines, and fences while foraging for food. Known for their multiple nesting sites and their massive colonies, these ants are especially difficult to control.
Pavement ants are small, range in color from dark brown to black, and will feed on almost anything. Their name describes their favorite nesting locations—in the cracks of sidewalks and along the pavement.
Harvester ants are about ¼ to ½ of an inch long and are red, brown, or black. Many species also have long hairs on the underside of their heads, giving them a beard-like appearance. These ants “harvest” seeds to feed their colony, hence their name.
Most species of household-invading ants, including pavement ants, are considered nuisance pests and don’t pose significant threats to people or properties. However, some species are considered damaging or dangerous pests and present more of a threat to structures and people. For example, harvester ants damage lawns by removing grass and vegetation from the areas around their nests, creating unsightly bare patches in your yard. While not considered dangerous or damaging pests themselves, Argentine ants are attracted to areas of moisture; if these ants are nesting in your home, there could be an underlying moisture issue present, which can be dangerous.
Whatever the species, ants should not live in or around your home as they are known to contaminate food and spread bacteria onto the surfaces in your home.
Ants work together to care for their colony. Whenever ants discover a food source on your property, they travel back and forth from their nest to gather the food. Ants feed on a variety of things, including vegetables, meats, sweet liquids, cheese, fruits, and grease. All their food choices are things that trash cans, compost bins, gardens, outdoor eating areas, and pet food bowls provide and can be found in most yards.
After being drawn in by these attractants, it’s only a matter of time before ants find their way inside. Once on your property, they find their way inside homes, garages, and outbuildings while foraging for new food sources. In addition to food, ants also move inside if the weather becomes unsuitable. Extremely hot, dry, wet, or cold weather often drives ants to seek shelter indoors.
Most species of household-invading ants, including pavement ants, are considered nuisance pests and don’t pose significant threats to people or properties. However, some species are considered damaging or dangerous pests and present more of a threat to structures and people. For example, harvester ants damage lawns by removing grass and vegetation from the areas around their nests, creating unsightly bare patches in your yard. While not considered dangerous or damaging pests themselves, Argentine ants are attracted to areas of moisture; if these ants are nesting in your home, there could be an underlying moisture issue present, which can be dangerous.
Whatever the species, ants should not live in or around your home as they are known to contaminate food and spread bacteria onto the surfaces in your home.
Red Rock Pest Control understands that ants and other household pests are difficult and stressful to deal with. Our certified pest control technicians are experienced in eliminating the pests that live throughout the Las Vegas region and know how to protect people and their properties from them. We offer professional ant control services that you can trust to eliminate ants from your Las Vegas property and help prevent them from returning.
If you are looking for quality pest control solutions for your Las Vegas home or business, reach out to Red Rock Pest Control today!
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Red Rock Pest Control has been a trusted company servicing my home for 10+ years. My house remains insect free year after year. The Technicians are honest, friendly, and trustworthy. The prices are very reasonable & a value for the protection guarantee. I highly recommend Red Rock Pest Control.
Red Rock Pest Control is a professional company with customer service that exceeds expectations. We have them set up on a bi monthly service. They are always consistent with high service levels and do a fantastic job every time. We had a bee issue, and called them between their visits. They were very accommodating in getting to our home ASAP and had the problem fixed right away. We highly recommend Red Rock Pest Control to anyone.
Informative, courteous, professional, and top notch quality service. Recommend to anyone looking for immediate and long term insect control. After 30 years of homeowner neglect, Red Rock Pest Control was able to wipe out the consistent infestation of ants and have kept them away without any flareup with their monthly service; incredible value!!! Thank you!
We always appreciate a visit from our Red Rock technicians. It is comforting to have RED ROCK's services as part of our pest control team to help us tackle and manage the unwanted pests including scorpions that live in the southwest desert! They always come to our rescue, even if when are not scheduled for a visit! THAT is quality service!
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