Because of their small stature, many people do not realize just how incredible ants can be. They can build intricate nests, lift relatively enormous objects, and live in complex social colonies. However, despite the many amazing features of ants, you still don’t want them living inside your home. While this is true of all ant species, one particularly dastardly species is the pharaoh ant. Thought to have originated in Africa, pharaoh ants are a common home-invading pest here in Portland, that can wreak all sorts of havoc on a property. Not only are they difficult to get rid of, but pharaoh ants are also known to spread various bacteria and pathogens that can result in the transmission of harmful diseases. As such, it is important for you to know everything you can do to keep these unwanted ants out of your Portland home.
What Do Pharaoh Ants Look Like?
Pharaoh ants grow to be about 1/16th of an inch long. They are amber or yellowish in color and have darker abdomens. Pharaoh ants build large nests with many members. They can typically be found in wall voids, under appliances, or under floorboards, usually in or around kitchens. Pharaoh ants have a tendency to spread quickly throughout establishments which can make them quite challenging to get rid of.
Are Pharaoh Ants Dangerous?
Not only are pharaoh ants dangerous, but they are also hard to remove once they’ve infested a home. They are considered to be dangerous as they are known to spread harmful bacteria and pathogens throughout homes and especially kitchens. These can result in such diseases as salmonellosis and streptococcus. They are hard to get rid of because pharaoh ants have mastered the technique of budding – splitting their nest into several different nests when they feel threatened. This means that if you attempt to remove a pharaoh ant nest without the proper equipment or knowledge, you could just make the problem worse.
What Factors Attract Pharaoh Ants To Homes?
Pharaoh ants typically come into homes for a few different reasons. First, if there is an easy way inside, pharaoh ants might enter in search of shelter. Furthermore, pharaoh ants are attracted to food and water sources. They can frequently be found in kitchens if food or trash is stored improperly.
How To Prevent Pharaoh Ants?
To keep pharaoh ants out of your Portland home, you need to limit factors that attract them and seal off any potential entry points. This includes:
- Store all food in airtight containers or the fridge.
- Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids and take out the garbage before it overflows.
- Wipe up spills from countertops and floors.
- Refrain from keeping dirty dishes piled in your sink.
- Use dehumidifiers to address moisture issues in your home, especially poorly ventilated areas.
- Fix leaking pipes or fixtures.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Install weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors.
- Fill in cracks in your home’s foundation.
Effective Pharaoh Ant Control For Your Home
Even with the proper preventative measures in place, you could still find yourself dealing with a pharaoh ant infestation in your Portland home. If such is the case, do not try to take care of it yourself as this could make the issue worse. Instead, contact the trained pest professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions for assistance. Here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, we offer quality pest control solutions that you can count on to effectively eliminate any pharaoh ants from within your home. Furthermore, should you opt for one of our ongoing treatment plans, we will take the necessary measures to ensure your home remains pest-free all year long. Don’t let pharaoh ants make their home inside of yours. Give us a call today to get started with ant control solutions that work for you.