To get rid of a pest, you’ll first have to discover how they’re entering your Irving home or business. Then, you’ll have to discern what is motivating these invasions. These answers are not always obvious though. In many cases, insects and critters settle in spots that are hard to access. This will make it especially challenging to monitor or assess their behavior. Some pests you might not even see. Given this, professional intervention is very necessary, especially with ants.

Ants are more of a health risk than most people realize. They can contaminate food and surfaces as they can carry countless illness-causing bacteria on their bodies. Also, multiple ant species in our area can create additional issues. Find out how you can combat local ants with help from Legacy Pest and Wildlife.

What Ants Are Common In Irving, TX?

Carpenter, acrobat, and odorous house ants are all quite present in our region. Carpenter ants are a substantial 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long. They are generally black, but can be red, reddish-black, orange, yellow, tan, or brown as well. These ants are wood-destroying insects and ruin wood by tunneling into wood and forging nests inside. Outside, they will attack logs and trees. Foundations will be their focus indoors. If you see piles of wood shavings or have hollow walls, you most likely have a carpenter ant infestation.

Acrobat ants are 0.21 of an inch long and brown. These ants usually nest in decaying or dead wood, roofing, siding, and insulation. They typically penetrate human dwellings through openings in structures and around utilities and from overhanging tree branches. Your property will be particularly vulnerable to acrobat ants if there have been prior plumbing problems or violations by wood-eating insects. Beware! Acrobat ants reproduce rapidly and are drawn to moisture.

Odorous house ants are 0.12 of an inch long and are brown or black. Notorious for infesting homes and businesses, they are actively on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Warmth is also a driving force for these ants that brings them into buildings. If you have these ants, expect to find them in paneling, heaters, pipes, and carpeting. They may be in your floor and structural voids too. When crushed, they will emit a rotten coconut-like scent from their bodies. Their bites will cause moderate pain, but are not dangerous. Seeing any odorous house ants in your structure verifies an infestation.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Irving Ants?

Ants are immensely difficult to manage. They have massive colonies and their nests aren’t easy to locate. Folks often look to commercial products and “do-it-yourself” tactics for these pests, but these efforts will be futile. Only individual ants will die; the whole infestation won’t be eliminated. Moreover, over-the-counter treatments can have complicated instructions or be potently toxic. You’ll need to perform the following tasks:

• Patch up gaps in your foundations and around windows and doors and utility lines. Ants can squeeze through any crack or gap.
• Install sweeps to all exterior doors.
• Repair leaks and moisture defects right away, beginning with those affecting wood. 
• Put food and garbage in containers with tight lids; don’t exclude pet food. 
• Wipe up spills and food messes immediately.
• Clean your kitchen thoroughly and regularly and wash your dishes and pantry.
• Take out the trash and vacuum routinely.
• Cut your grass and trim greenery frequently. Keep a 2 ft distance between flowers and plants and your structure. 
• Remove organic debris from your yard.

How Will Legacy Pest and Wildlife Handle Ants? 

Don’t waste your time or money on retail items if you’re facing ants. For solutions that are safe and will yield long-term results, contact us at Legacy Pest and Wildlife. We have licensed technicians that have specialized knowledge about ant removal. Our effective pest control treatments are industrial-grade and won’t harm you, your pets, or your lawn. Call us to get started today with pest control services in Irving, TX!