Matching the proper treatment to the ant species is paramount to successful and long-term Ant Control. Ant control can be difficult for the homeowner or business. Call I-PRO at 361-980-7378 to let us take care of your ants.
Pesticides have become safer by developing pesticides that specifically target a unique part of the physiology of an ant species or several ant species. Today’s Wide Spectrum pesticides will provide a knockdown. But these often last only a short time or fracture ant colonies into two or three new ones away from the mound or nest. So, it may appear that a fire ant mound has been extinguished, but there are twice as many in the area.
A Pest Professional will be familiar with ant species in the area and know which pesticide to use and the treatment schedule to follow. Often, two treatments must be made for two ant species. For example, fire ants are treated with an annual granule or seasonal bait. While pyramid ants are treated with a 10-20 day treatment. Yet, other ants can be treated once per year with certain treatments in certain locations.
Proper identification is the first step in the control of ants. Ants are relatively easy to ID using a microscope, especially with the help of a guide published by TAMU’s extension service. Use 20x to identify the species of ant. The Leaf Cutter ant has a large head, slender thorax and abdomen (gaster) and long legs. They carry parts of leaves from a bush to their nest and will make bare a large bush overnight. South Texas is home to many other species of ants, including invasive species like the Crazy Ants and the red imported fire ants. Carpenter ants can do a lot of damage. Pharaoh ants are pests that appear out of walls in kitchens and bathrooms and are tolerant of some ant specific pesticides. Ghost Ants also appear in houses and are also tolerant of some ant specific pesticides. Acrobat ants that often hold their heart shaped abdomen in the air also appear in homes but are not tolerant of many pesticides.
How ants smell food and each other:
Ants can detect a food source in the third story of a house and respond quickly from ground level. They also use smell to detect and avoid repellent pesticides. See the following video: This video published by the New York Times does a great job presenting how ants sniff things out.
I-PRO Pest Control is the premier local provider of professional pest extermination services in Corpus Christi. I-PRO’s experience, customized approach, and dedication to customer satisfaction ensure effective pest control solutions for your property. Please feel free to reach out to us today for your free consultation. 361-980-7378.
