Ant (Formicidae)
Treatments for this pest are included in these services:
About Ants in Arizona
Ants are among the most abundant pests in Arizona, many of which are considered nuisance pests once they’ve made their way inside. Ants are social insects that live in colonies and will build nests either underground or in decayed wood. They operate under a caste system where each ant has a respective job to do. No matter the species, every ant colony has a queen that is responsible for laying eggs and building the colony.
At some point or another in the season, an ant species is bound to invade your home or business—but to stop them, you have to know which ant species you’re dealing with and their habits.
How to Identify Ants in Arizona
Ants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, although all can be identified by their six legs, pronounced abdomen, and mandible. Most ants have the ability to either bite or sting, with some species able to do both. Most ant species range from being light-brown to reddish-brown to dark-brown and even black. They can also be as small as 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch long.
Common Ants Found in Arizona
Argentine Ants
An invasive ant species, Argentine ants are dark-brown in color and found near moist areas or irrigated soil. They live in large colonies and do not typically bite or sting.
Carpenter Ants
The most destructive of Arizona ants, carpenter ants nest in dry or moist, rotting wood or sometimes the ground. Though they don’t consume wood, they can cause damage to wooden structures.
Crazy Ants
Known for their “crazy” erratic movements, crazy ants are reddish-brown in color and able to thrive in both wet and dry environments. Around Arizona properties, they may live in trees, plants, under rocks and stones, and even inside electrical equipment. When attacked, crazy ants will also release a pheromone that attracts other ants, which can cause an infestation to quickly multiply.
Fire Ants
Ranging in color from gold to red to brownish-black, Arizona fire ant colonies mostly nest in the ground, creating a dirt mound at the surface. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of dead animals and other pests as well as sweets, meat, and greasy food. Fire ants are not just a nuisance; they can also pose a danger to anyone sensitive to their venom if bitten multiple times.
Forelius Ants
A bright-orange color, forelius ants enjoy the hot, arid climate Arizona offers. However, they won’t hesitate to seek out sweet and sugary stored food and start colonies in home pantries. This ant species is harmless but should not be squished, as they release a sweet smell and pheromone that brings other ants.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants may build nests inside or outside near heaters, in wall crevices, and beneath carpets and floors. When crushed, an odorous house ant releases a strong odor of rotting coconuts.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants prefer to nest outdoors around driveways, sidewalks, patios, and home foundations. They do bite and can harm those who may be sensitive to insect bites.
Pharaoh Ants
A tiny ant species, pharaoh ants are a bit longer than 1/16 inch. This ant is yellowish or light-brown in color and has black and red markings on its abdomens. In Arizona, pharaoh ants nest outside and inside homes.
How to Prevent Arizona Ants
The easiest way to prevent and control ant populations in your home is to cut off their food sources. Ants are happy to eat just about anything from nectar to other insects, but when they come into your home, they are generally in search of sweets or protein-rich food sources. Quickly cleaning up leftover crumbs and spills are the best ways to prevent ants from entering your home altogether.
Removing plants that attract ants, such as nectar plants, is another way to cut off an ant’s food source. Treating your plants for aphids can also reduce ant populations as ants feed off the “honeydew” aphids produce.
Sealing your home is an effective way to ensure ants can’t get in easily. Caulk openings around incoming pipes, utilities, door frames, window frames, and any other small openings through which an ant could easily crawl. In addition, it’s important to replace old weather stripping and door sweeps. Trimming back limbs and bushes can also sever the bridge ants can use to make their way indoors.
Ant Solutions in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson
When preventative measures aren’t enough to keep ants out, it may be time to try ant control treatments. When you call Responsible Pest & Scorpion Control, our service specialists will locate and destroy the nest using products or baiting tactics to ensure the ants don’t come back. They will also treat the interior and exterior walls to cover any entrances these pests might use.
How To Get Rid Of Arizona Ants
With so many ant species to be found in Arizona, it can be hard to know what kind of ants have invaded your home. Knowing the type of ant you have on your hands can help you determine its colony and feeding habits, which can help you figure out the best way to remove it.
When you call the pest control service specialists at Responsible Pest & Scorpion Control, they will help you identify which type of ants you have, where they’re entering your home, and develop a service plan to eliminate the pests. Send those ants packing and request a pest control quote today!
