Ant Control Made Simple For San Diego Homeowners

Every year, thousands of homeowners in Southern California have to deal with pesky ants trying to take over their homes. Ants are so tiny that they can stay out of sight when they invade your house. You could have several thousand ants in your home without even realizing it. At Bite Away Termite & Pest Control Inc., we provide comprehensive pest control in San Diego and take the guesswork out of achieving total ant control in your home. 

Common Types Of Ants Found In San Diego

Many types of ants are in San Diego. Some of the common ants around here can be extremely dangerous. Here is a look at the various types of ants that you are most likely to come in contact with if you live in San Diego:

• Fire ants: These tiny ants usually have bright red bodies and can both bite and sting. They prefer to live outdoors and will commonly create large above-ground ant mounds in people's yards. However, they have, on occasion, made their way indoors.
• Pharaoh ants: This type of ant is common inside homes and businesses that handle a lot of food. You will most likely spot a pharaoh ant inside a restaurant, grocery store, or hotel. They will usually build their nest in the insulation behind the walls of a home or other building.
• Little black ants: True to their name, this type of ant has a small body that is usually jet-black. These ants like to eat meats, fruits, oil, vegetables, and other small insects. 
• Odorous house ants: These ants are usually only about ⅛ of an inch long and have black or dark brown bodies. Odorous house ants like warm and moist areas and typically try to build their nests near water.
• Carpenter ants: Many people compare carpenter ants to termites because they can destroy wood. They will chew through wood beams and other wooden objects to build their nests. 

The ants on this list live in large groups. It is not uncommon to see several thousand ants living in one colony. 

Why You Don't Want Ants Crawling Around Your Home

Ants are scavengers that will spend their days crawling over a wide range of unsanitary surfaces, including garbage and dead carcasses. Throughout their lives, they will pick up a wide range of bacteria and viruses. If they crawl over your food or a food preparation surface, they can pass illnesses on to you. Some illnesses you can catch from an ant infestation include streptococcus, staph infections, and salmonellosis. 

Five Natural Ways To Prevent Ants From Coming Back

If you can successfully eliminate ants from your home, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that they won't come back. Some of the things that you can try include the following:

• Don't leave food out in open containers. 
• Seal up any gaps and cracks around your home. Be sure to check the areas around your windows and doors.
• Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs.
• Fix any leaky faucets or pipes that you have around your house.
• Empty your indoor trash can often and keep a lid on your outdoor trash can.

By following these tips, you are less likely to have an ant infestation in your home.

Helpful Tips To Prevent Ants From Coming Back

The best way to prevent ants from coming back into your San Diego home is to have it professionally treated. At Bite Away Termite & Pest Control Inc., we use the latest techniques and treatments to ensure that the ants leave your home and don't return. Call today for a free estimate!