Florida Ants
Living in Florida, you can walk out your door, take a few steps, look down and more than likely see an ant or two… ants are everywhere in Florida!
Ant Basics
While most people simply label the nuisance pest under the vague label “ants,” there are different types of ants that infest Florida homes and yards. For example, if you have ants in your home, more than likely it is going to be black ants. These are relatively small ants that you may find in the bathroom or kitchen counter in search of food that are generally harmless. Outside you are more likely to encounter pyramid ants, carpenter ants, and RIFA (red imported fire ants).
Most Common Ants in North Central Florida
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants destructive, wood-boring insects that use timber to build nests and live in them. They can weaken wooden structures and compromise the safety of your property. They also have a painful bite.
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA)
Red Imported Fire Ants live in large mounds constructed from the soil that are easily noticeable in lawns & pastures. They pack a painful bite and generally a person will be bit by multiple fire ants, not just one.
Black Ants
Black ants generally, nest in wood or masonry but are often known to come indoors. They come inside when they’re looking for moisture and food. Most of the time, black ant infestations are caused by improper food storage.
Pyramid Ants
Pyramid ants are found to be beneficial because they eat the more aggressive and invasive fire ant populations. These ants form small nests in sandy soil and is usually in the shape of a pyramid or volcano with a small opening in the center.
Ant Deterrent Tips
Are ants attracted to your Florida home? Ants love food and water just like we all do. It’s important to make your home less attractive by using these prevention tips to avoid ants from entering your home:
· Eliminate standing water. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets.
· Store food in air-tight containers: keep all cabinet stored food in air-tight containers.
· Keep your home clean: don’t let dirty dishes stay in the sink all night and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Some ants are attracted to sweets.
· Store pet food: keep pet food in air-tight containers and pick-up their dishes each evening.
· Take the trash out: take the garbage out, daily and use (indoor/outdoor) trashcans with an air-tight lid.
· Seal cracks & crevices: Seal doors, windows and cracks with caulk.
· Landscape barrier: keep at least 3 feet between your home and any plants. They can use your plants as a bridge to access your home.
Ant Treatment & Prevention
Ants can be hard to eliminate on your own. Get professional help from our Pest Specialists at Live Oak Pest Control today. Ants are tiny and find clever ways of getting in your home. Our Pest Specialists will help find the entry points and educate you on how to eliminate these entry points. We’ll tailor an ant treatment plan specific to your needs and eliminate them from your home.
Fire ant treatments come with a ONE-year guarantee! We use TopChoice® fire ant bait which is only available to professionals and these treatments will help keep your yard pain-free so your kids or grandkids can enjoy playing outside.
Choosing a Local Pest Control Company
Choosing a trustworthy pest control company that has the knowledge and experience to treat your home all year-round is key to avoiding damage from pests. Live Oak Pest Control has been serving the North Central Florida area since 1972 and each of our Pest Specialists must undergo rigorous training and pass a background check. Our services include residential and commercial pest control, lawn care and termite control and prevention. Call us today at (386) 632-3887 to schedule your pest control services today.
