Known for its diverse art, music, and cuisine, Houston is a perfect traveling destination. It is also famous for its world-class museums, warm climate, parks and outdoor activities, and other entertainment places, making it an attractive place for visitors. And yes, ants are also included.
Houston’s warm and humid climate creates optimal conditions for ants to flourish and reproduce quickly all year round. In this blog, we’ll learn more about ants and discover practical ways to keep them out of our homes.
Common Ant Species in Houston
There are approximately 250 species of ants, but you’ll more than likely only encounter a few that can cause problems in your everyday life. As said above, the ant situation in Houston is influenced by the city’s warm and humid climate. After seeing them, we think its presence is not a big deal, but the actual reality is shown a day or two later when an entire line of ants follows the same path as the ant you saw the day before. Some of the most common ant species encountered in Houston include:
- Fire Ants: These aggressive ants are known for their painful stings. Fire ant mounds can be found in lawns, gardens, and open spaces throughout Houston. When fire ants are disturbed, they quickly swarm and deliver multiple painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people. This poses a serious threat, especially to children and pets who might unknowingly disturb their nests.
- Carpenter Ants: Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but use it to build their nests. Carpenter ants, being larger than many other ant species, can cause quite a bit of trouble by digging tunnels through wooden structures like fences, decks, and even the framework of houses. And here’s the main point, they like damp or rotting wood, so if your house has any moisture problems, you might find yourself with some unwanted houseguests.
- Odorous House Ants: These small black or brown ants have a strong attraction to sugary foods, making kitchen areas their prime target, especially when food is left out or spills are not cleaned up promptly. You might notice them forming organized trails along baseboards and countertops as they search for food and moisture to sustain their colony. Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and food tightly sealed can help deter these persistent ants from invading your home.
Preventive Measure to Keep Ants Out of the House
Prevention is crucial in effectively managing ant issues. Here are practical tips to prevent ant infestations in your home:
Maintain Cleanliness
Regularly cleaning up crumbs, spills, and food debris is essential, especially in kitchen and dining areas where ants are most attracted to food sources. Clean your countertops, tables, and floors using soap and water to remove food residues that can lure ants. Pay attention to areas under appliances and furniture where crumbs may accumulate.
Seal Entry Points
Conduct a thorough inspection of your home for cracks, gaps, and openings where ants can enter. Check around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines. Seal these entry points using caulk, weather stripping, or foam insulation to block ant access routes into your home.
Store your Food Properly
Keep food items, including dry goods and snacks, in sealed containers with tight-fitting covers. This blocks ant’s easy access to food sources and helps prevent infestations. Additionally, store ripe fruits like bananas and peaches in the refrigerator to avoid attracting fruit-loving ants.
Trim Vegetation
Maintain your landscaping by trimming trees, shrubs, and plants away from the exterior of your house. Overhanging branches and vegetation touching the house can serve as pathways for ants to enter. Keep a clear space between plants and your home’s exterior to reduce ant entry points.
Dispose of Trash Promptly
Use sealed trash cans and dispose of garbage regularly to eliminate odors that attract ants. Keep outdoor trash bins away from the house to stop ants from roaming near your home’s perimeter.
Address Moisture Issues
Inspect and quickly repair any leaky pipes, or roof leaks that can create moisture buildup indoors. Ants are drawn to moisture-rich environments, so keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can help deter them from establishing colonies indoors.
By implementing these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of ant infestations and create a less hospitable environment for these pests.
Conclusion
The combination of Houston’s climate and urban environment makes it a hotspot for ant infestations. Implementing these preventative measures can significantly reduce the chances of ants in your home. Never compromise cleanliness, and if you find yourself facing persistent issues, feel free to reach out to the experts.
Get an Effective pest management solution with Hartz Pest Control! Keep your home ant-free and enjoy a pest-free living environment year-round! Enjoy your home without unwelcome ant guests—let Hartz Pest Control handle it for you!
