Central Florida is home to a wide range of ant species, including fire ants, carpenter ants, twig ants, and white-footed ants. Don't let their small size fool you, though; these tiny insects can cause a lot of harm to both you and your home. If you have been seeing ants around your home, you should enlist the help of a qualified Vero Beach pest control specialist like HomeShield Pest Control. We understand the exact steps that need to be taken to eliminate them from your home.
Does One Ant Mean I Have An Infestation?
All ant species are social insects. This means that it is extremely rare to find an ant by itself. They live and travel in large groups called colonies. However, there are a few reasons why you may see just one ant inside of your home, which could include:
- You have accidentally picked up one ant from a nearby area and brought it into your home.
- The ant is there to scout out the area before the entire colony moves in.
- There is a colony already hidden inside your home, you just haven't seen it yet.
If you see one or two ants inside your Vero Beach home, it doesn't necessarily mean that there are more around. However, it could indicate that you are close to having a full-blown ant infestation.
The Many Problems An Ant Infestation Can Create In Your Home
Most people think that seeing ants in their homes is no big deal. However, if the infestation is left untreated, these insects can cause big problems for you and your family. Here is a look at the dangers of having a colony of ants in your home.
You may experience allergy complications. All ants can bite you, and usually, you only feel a light sting that will go away after a few minutes. However, there are a few ants in this area that can actually sting you. For example, fire ants have a stinger that they use to inject venom into predators when they feel threatened. If you are allergic to the venom in an ant sting, it can cause you to have a severe reaction that could be life-threatening.
There are other health risks ants pose, as well. Ants are scavengers that eat a wide range of bacteria-ridden objects such as fungus and dead animal tissue. If they crawl over your food, they could spread diseases like salmonellosis and E. coli infections.
Ants can also cause property damage. Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ant found in Vero Beach. This species shares several similarities to termites, including their love for consuming wood. If a colony of carpenter ants moves into your home, it will not take long before you start to notice damage to your home and other wooden structures.
No matter what type of ant you find in your home, you should never assume that they are harmless.
Five Simple Tips To Prevent Ant Infestations
When an ant colony moves in, it can quickly take over your property. The following steps will help to ensure that your home does not become infested with ants:
- Keep all food in sealed containers.
- Sweep your floors often to ensure that no food crumbs are left behind.
- Get a trashcan that has a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep outdoor trash cans as far away from your home as possible.
- Wipe up all water droplets in your sink and nearby countertops.
Ants will invade your home looking for food and water. If they can't get the necessities that they need, they will go somewhere else to find them.
The Most Effective Ant Control For Your Home
If you have an infestation, it can be extremely difficult to get every ant to leave. The best way to get rid of ants in your Vero Beach home is to call HomeShield Pest Control today. We will thoroughly inspect your property and come up with a comprehensive plan to eradicate all ants from your home.