Ants

What are ants?

The most common species of ants you'll find on your Oklahoma property are the carpenter ant, fire ant, sugar ant, and pavement ant. The key to successful ant control is to know how to identify the invading ants. Of course, the most accurate way to identify the correct species of ant is to consult with trained professionals.

Carpenter Ants

Camponotus Species

This ant varies in size from one-half to five-eighths of an inch in length. Carpenter ants are usually black but may come in a combination of black and red, or completely red or brown. This ant is prevalent throughout the U.S. but is most common in the north. They're known for their wood tunneling habits.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Solenopsis Invicta

Fire ants boast a reddish-brown color and are between one-eighth and one-quarter of an inch in length. Unlike other ant species, this one is extremely aggressive and will attack any person or animal they see as a threat.

Sugar Ants

Tapinoma Melanocephalum (Fabricus)

Sugar ants are extremely tiny, only growing up to one and one-half millimeters in length. They possess a dark head with a lighter colored body, and you'll find them in many areas of the United States.

Pavement Ants

Tetramorium Caespitum

Pavement ants are brown to black and only grow up to a little over a sixteenth of an inch in length. As their name implies, they prefer to nest in the cracks of sidewalks, pavement, and cement. Also, they'll nest in the soil near a foundation, making them a regular building invader.

Are ants dangerous?

As a rule, most species of ants are just nuisance pests. As such, you won't want them inside, but they won't hurt you beyond contaminating any food or surfaces they crawl across.

However, there are two notable exceptions. Carpenter ants present a very real danger to your property due to their habit of tunneling through the wood.

The other ant species that is dangerous is the red imported fire ant. This ant is known for its painful stings, which are full of venom. The venom is strong enough to provoke an allergic reaction ranging from mild to severe.

How do I know if I have an ant problem?

Ant problems are easy to identify since the greatest sign of an infestation is to observe ants crawling around the property. However, some species of ants provide other signs to look for, such as small wood openings. Carpenter ants leave small openings along the surface of the wood through which they expel debris similar in texture to sawdust. Also, look for mounds in the ground. Red imported fire ants build mounds that are noticeable in the soil near structural foundations.

Where will I find ants?

All ant species prefer to live outdoors, but where they choose to live depends on the species. For example, sugar ants and red imported fire ants prefer to nest in the ground while carpenter ants seek out wood sources to build their nests.
 
When ants make it inside, they prefer locations that better match their outside preferences. Carpenter ants seek out any wet, damaged wood thanks to their constant need for moisture and access to wood.
 
Sugar ants like to nest in wall voids, behind baseboards, or inside the soil of potted plants. The fire ant may get in through HVAC systems and AC units.

How do I get rid of ants?

Ants invade by the dozens and are known for their persistence. To make matters worse, they are capable of creating multiple colonies even within your home. At Guaranteed Pest Service of Oklahoma, we understand this isn't acceptable.

Our team has been in operation since 1991, but has over 45 years of combined experience, which has enabled us to gain the knowledge and understanding needed to rid you of your ant infestations in Oklahoma City, OK regardless of the species. Give us a call today.

How can I prevent ants in the future?

By implementing the following tips, you can better protect yourself from an ant infestation: 

• Seal any cracks, holes, or crevices that have developed in the foundation or the exterior walls.

• Seal cracks that have developed in the driveway, sidewalk, or walkways of your property.

• Erect a barrier between the soil and your home's foundation.

• Seal any spaces or gaps around pipes or wires entering the building.

• Cover any open vents.

• Regularly vacuum, sweep, and wipe down surfaces free of crumbs, debris, and spills.

• Remove standing water from the premises.

Learn more about our home pest control options and commercial pest management solutions.

Helpful Articles

Five Simple Ways To Keep Ants Away From Your Oklahoma City Property

How To Tell If It's Carpenter Ants On Your Oklahoma City Property