Many types of ants call Memphis home. These ants cannot only be a nuisance, but they can be both dangerous and destructive. If you are struggling with an ant problem on your property, Chief Termite and Pest Control has you covered. We have been offering superior pest control in Memphis for decades and can help you successfully tackle your ant problem.

The Remarkable Self-Organization Of Ants

Many ants live in large colonies. It is not uncommon to see an ant colony with over 20,000 ants living together. Because they live in such large groups, they must be able to self-organize. In an ant colony, every ant has a job to do. Usually, ants are divided into three categories, which include the queens, the workers, and the males. The ants are born and stay in their roles for their entire lives.

The main job of the males and the queen is to reproduce. All worker ants are female, and they are what keep the colony running smoothly. Worker ants essentially do all of the work in the colony. Once a queen lays an egg, the workers will take care of the egg, feed the larvae once it is hatched, build the colony, forage for food, and defend the nest from predators.

Ants release pheromones to help them stay organized. The pheromones are used to communicate with each other. Sometimes, the pheromones alert the other ants of a food source, potential danger, and other colony activity. Without releasing pheromones, the ants could not stay organized and in sync.

An Ant Infestation Can Be Very Problematic For Homeowners

Some of the most common types of ants in this area include pavement ants, odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, and house ants. These ants can be extremely invasive and can take over your home quickly. These ants are mainly a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous.

Ants will eat almost anything. They are attracted to sweet foods, protein, and even rotting food. Many of these scavenger insects will spend their days rummaging through garbage cans and other unsanitary objects. As they crawl over these surfaces, they pick up a wide range of bacteria that can spread to you when they crawl over your food, silverware, and other food surfaces. You can catch dangerous diseases like salmonella, streptococcus, and clostridium from ants in your home.

Why Do I Have Ants In My House?

Ants will come into your home if they think there is a reliable food and water source. If you suddenly see ants in your home, some of the causes could include:

• Food crumbs left on the floor and countertops
• A sugary residue left from syrup, soda, and liquid spills
• Poorly ventilated crawl spaces
• Leaky faucets and pipes

Ants can enter your home through small gaps and cracks around your windows, doors, and other areas. If an ant is able to get into your home and find food, it will emit a pheromone that will tell the other ants to come inside too. To achieve total ant control in your house, seal up any of the cracks in the exterior walls of your home and eliminate sources of food and water.

Total Ant Control For Memphis Homes

If they are able to get into your home, it can be difficult to get rid of ants on your own. At Chief Termite and Pest Control, we can eliminate the ants from your Memphis property and keep them from returning. Call us today for a free estimate, and remember to ask about our same-day service options!