There are two main types of ants that love wood: the acrobat ant and the carpenter ant. Both of these ants can cause serious damage to your home if they're not controlled. Here's what you need to know about each type of ant and how to keep them out of your house.
How to recognize the acrobat ant?
Have you ever heard of acrobat ants? These incredible acrobats look like any other ant, but don't be fooled - their acrobatic abilities are what make them unique. Not only can acrobat ants jump long distances and climb up vertical surfaces with ease, they can actually hang upside down from tree branches for long periods of time! So what does an acrobat ant look like? It has a red or black body with yellow antennae and white-colored legs. It may be small, but acrobat ants also have a destructive side - they can cause major damage to wooden structures in no time at all. They will chew through wood materials with ease, including softwoods and hardwoods. Not only do acrobat ants consume wood for their nutritional value, but they also use it to build nests and chambers within structures. So, if you find acrobat ants in your home, it's important to take action quickly to get rid of them!
The carpenter ant and its wood-damaging habits
Did you know carpenter ants are notorious for damaging wood? Although carpenter ants may look like lots of other ant species, they have a few unique features that allow them to cause lots of destruction. Carpenter ants can be identified by their large size and black coloring - and they love to feast on moist wood! These hardworking insects live and work in wood, making tunnels, chambers and galleries within timber structures. Not only can carpenter ants cause serious structural damage, but they are also much harder to get rid of than other types of ants like acrobat ants. They will also quickly tear through wooden furniture if the conditions are right, so ensure you stay vigilant for carpenter ant signs to save yourself some costly repairs.
Which type of ant is more likely to invade your home?
It's an important question: which type of ant is most likely to invade your home? The carpenter ant and the acrobat ant are the two primary offenders. Carpenter ants tend to thrive in decayed wood, so if you live in an older home or one with a lot of wooden furniture you may be particularly at risk. Acrobat ants, meanwhile, are attuned to humidity and they like to nest in areas where moisture might accumulate, so if your house has had water damage in the past then you should look out for them. Knowing what kinds of conditions each type of ant is drawn to can help you guard against becoming their next victim.
Natural ways that may get rid of ants in your home
Dealing with an ant problem in your home can be a frustrating and disheartening situation. Fortunately, there are a few natural solutions for ridding your house of ant infestations without resorting to harsh and potentially toxic insecticides. One natural solution is sprinkling cinnamon or peppermint around ant trails, as ants do not like the scent of either spice. Additionally, lemon juice is also an effective ant repellant; simply spray ant trails with a mixture of equal parts water and lemon juice.
Tips on keeping ants out of your house for good
If you're constantly battling ants in your home, you need to take the necessary steps to keep them away for good. One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a professional exterminator. They can help identify any entry points that ants may be using and put measures in place to stop them in their tracks. This could include sealing any cracks or gaps around windows/doors and ensuring food is stored securely. Regularly cleaning your home with vinegar and water, as well as vacuuming carpets, can also go a long way towards deterring ants from entering your house. Taking these steps should help to keep both types of ants outside where they belong.
Now that you know a little more about these two types of ants, you should be able to tell them apart if you see them in your home. If you have an ant problem, there are some natural ways to get rid of them. However, if you want to make sure they don’t come back, it’s best to call a professional like Atlanta Outsourced Pest Control at 678-948-6073.
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