Are Ants Harmful?

Each of these species occupies a different niche in the Arizona biosphere, but one thing they do have in common is they all can be an inconvenience to homeowners. Some ants are just a nuisance, while others can cause major damage. 

• Fire Ants get their name from the fact that they are red and they sting, unlike most ants that just bite. They are known for their large mounds. If disturbed, they will sting multiple times. They usually wander in homes through cracks and crevices.
• Harvester Ants spend their time gathering seeds for food, hence their name. Like fire ants, they are known to sting. Their stings can kill small animals who disturb their mounds. Harvester ants are usually found on bare soil areas. 
• Odorous House Ants aren’t nearly as dangerous as fire ants, but they do stink. Literally, they give off a rotten odor when crushed. In addition to water, sweets and meat attract these ants, which can contaminate the foods they touch. 
• Pavement Ants won’t eat through the wood of your home, but they will eat the food they find there, especially things like fruits, sweets, cheese, and greasy foods. They have to travel through a lot of grit and grime to make it into your home; therefore, like odorous house ants, there’s a chance they’ll contaminate what food they leave behind.

What’s Attracting Ants Into Your Home?

There are three main things that might attract ants into your home: food, water, and houseplants.

• Food: Ants are fond of most human food and especially love sweets. If you happen to leave a little something out on your countertops or drop crumbs on the floor, it could attract an ant or two … at least at first. Those initial scouts will leave behind a scent trail for other ants to follow, and what started off as a few will quickly turn into a near-constant stream of the little buggers coming to transport treasure back to the nest.
• Water: Ants need it to survive. Some have the responsibility of collecting water and bringing it back to the colony. Just as they would when they discover a food source, they’ll leave a scent trail for other ants to follow. 
• Houseplants: Sometimes ants will explore your potted plants. They could be attracted to the scent of flowers or they might be drawn to the moisture from the plants. While most are not interested in eating the plants, ants can still damage them.

We Can Help You!

Of course, Insectek can be part of the solution, too. We’re your source for effective and environmentally friendly pest control. And as the top-rated pest control company in the Phoenix area, we offer solutions tailored to fit your needs and keep your home free of all kinds of pests, including ants. Contact us for more information.