It’s wise to have consistent pest remediation, even if you don’t spot any insects or creatures around your Opelika property. It’s rare for creepy crawlers to pass up an opportunity to infiltrate your home or business. The possible risks are always great, no matter how harmless a critter may seem. Most species can damage your dwellings or personal effects, like clothes and papers. If that doesn’t happen, they might hurt you with a bite, sting, or scratch. Last, but not least, they may transmit disease or spread germs that will make you sick.
Ants are commonplace and tiny, but that’s no indication of their hazards. The bacteria on their bodies is a threat to your health and that of others. Your food and surfaces could be contaminated. What’s worse is that several subspecies, like little black ants, have additional risk factors. Learn how you can keep these bugs away with Prewett Pest Control.
How Do Little Black Ants Look And Behave? What Are the Dangers?
As their name reveals, little black ants are extremely small and entirely black. They’re only 0.06 of an inch long. Considering this, the chances of them invading a domicile or establishment without being detected are high. Among their features are antennas and six legs. Their body parts are rounded, but unevenly so. This species is dominant in North America.
Little black ants are usually seen in the summer months. When not in wooded zones, they’ll be in residential areas scampering along sidewalks. They’ll also settle under stacks of lumber, decaying logs, rocks, or bricks. Cracks and crevices in foundations are how they’ll enter your place. If they leave a structural void, they will head to woodwork. This is especially true if the piece is rotting. Facades and masonry are other locations where they’ll nest. Little black ants feed on several things, including:
- Insects
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Vegetables
- Meats
- Oil and grease
- Honeydew
- Plant secretions
Once more, all ants are a crucial problem because they carry illness-causing microbes. The pests have been linked to salmonella, E. coli, and other food-borne conditions. With little black ants specifically, you’ll also have to worry about their stingers. While it will have little to no effect on you if you’re stung, most would want to avoid such an occurrence altogether. The colonies of these bugs are fairly sizable and consist of multiple queens. They travel in trails, reproduce with speed, and penetrate properties in volume. Between this and their dainty frames, they are extremely challenging to get rid of.
How Can Little Black Ants Be Prevented?
Take these actions to discourage little black ants:
- Patch up holes in foundations, windows, and doors.
- Put sweeps on all doors that face the outside.
- Have leaks and moisture dysfunctions repaired.
- Keep your cabinets, pantries, and kitchen neat, and wash dishes often.
- Put food and trash in containers with tight lids. This goes for pet meals too.
- Immediately clean up food messes. Don’t neglect those outside on porches as well.
- Take out the garbage and vacuum frequently.
- Mow the lawn and trim greenery on a routine basis.
- Distance bricks, rocks, wood, and plants several feet from the property.
- Get all organic debris off of the yard; particularly if it’s spoiled.
What Can Prewett Pest Control Do About Little Black Ants?
It’s evident that little black ants shouldn’t be underestimated. Given how difficult they are to catch and combat, you’ll need the professional care of Prewett Pest Control. Our highly trained technicians have the expertise to locate nests and address entryways. They will use tough and thorough treatments that will wipe colonies out. All of our solutions are safe for humans and domestic animals. Call us today at Prewett Pest Control to get started!