Ant Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Ants

What are ants?

Ants are social species of insects that are closely related to wasps. While most species of ants worldwide live well away from people, several species have become common household pests.

The following characteristics help to identify ants from most other insects:

• Elbowed antennae
• Narrow waists
• Three-segmented body
• Reproductive ants (alates) have wings
• Worker ants lack wings

Ants are beneficial to the environment. They provide a food source for other animals, help clean up decaying animals and plant debris, and aerate the soil. However, when these pests invade our yards or homes, they quickly wear out their welcome, and you need to take steps to control and eliminate them.

Are ants dangerous?

While most ants are typically not a threat to human health, they are a nuisance and pests that are extremely difficult to control and eliminate from Jacksonville properties.

The carpenter ant is the most "dangerous" ant species in our area. They are not a threat to people but are a threat to our properties. These large black ants like to nest inside wood, especially decaying or water-damaged wood. When carpenter ants enter Florida homes and decide to stay and nest, their presence will eventually cause significant and costly damage. Additionally, the presence of carpenter ants in or around your home should alert you to a potential moisture problem on your property.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are social insects and live in large colonies. They have adapted to living near people and are successful almost anywhere.

If you have a problem with ants on your Jacksonville property, know you are not alone. Ants are a common sight on our properties because they provide the food, water, and shelter they require to be successful.

Ants are omnivores and eat a variety of proteins, sweets, seeds, other insects, and decaying organic matter. Our gardens, flower beds, lawns, outdoor eating areas, trash cans, bird feeders, and pet feeding areas provide ants with reliable food sources. Once ants find food, they will keep returning and may eventually decide to stay and create a nest in your yard or home.

To determine the extent of an ant problem on your property, it is always best to contact a pest control specialist.

Where will I find ants?

Ants live together in nests. Some of the most common places we discover ant nesting sites include lawns, trees, rotting wood, yard debris, and woodpiles. They also like to nest in the soil under foundations, bricks, or pavement.

Many ant species maintain more than one nest. They will have a large central nest and several satellite nests. Though ants like to nest outside, they create indoor nests if they need more space or want to nest near food sources. Common indoor ant nesting sites include wall voids, water-damaged structural wood (carpenter ants), roof eaves, and crawl spaces.

It is important to understand that if you see ants trailing throughout your home, it doesn't mean they have created a nest inside your house. They could just be moving in and out of your home foraging for food. Partnering with a professional and determining the extent of the infestation is critical to eliminating these pests from your property as quickly as possible.

How do I get rid of ants?

Ants are difficult pests to keep away from Jacksonville area homes. The best way to get rid of carpenter ants and other types of ants is to partner with a local pest control expert. At Wildlife and Pest Control Experts, our professionals understand the pest threats in our region and how to guard people and properties against their dangers and damages.

Our proactive approach to ant control will eliminate your ant infestation and make sure they don't return. To learn more about our ant control solutions (inspection, treatment, and customizable follow-up visits), please call today!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Avoid sharing your home with ants with the help of the following ant prevention tips:

• Make regular repairs to the exterior of your home to eliminate cracks and other openings that ants can use as entry points.
• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors. 
• Reduce excess moisture in and around your home. 
• Keep indoor and outdoor eating areas clean and free of food debris. 
• Remove wood and yard debris from your yard.
• Replace any wood in or on your home that is water-damaged or decaying.

Keep ants away from your home and yard by partnering with Wildlife and Pest Control Experts today. We offer ant control near you that you can trust!