Ant Control Exterminators

Fire Ants

One of the most common species of ants in the South is the Fire Ant. In Texas, it’s not whether you have them but where they are. Fire ants are reddish-brown and make nests with no visible signs of an entrance. Fire ants are very aggressive when the nest is disturbed. Fire ants have an estimated economic impact of $1.2 Billion annually in Texas alone.

Fire ants have a painful sting that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, making them a significant nuisance and potential health hazard. Their ability to thrive in a variety of habitats and their aggressive behavior make them a persistent challenge for homeowners, farmers, and gardeners. Efforts to control fire ant populations include the use of chemical treatments, biological control methods, and ongoing research to develop more effective strategies for managing these invasive pests. Despite these efforts, fire ants remain a formidable and costly problem in the southern United States.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous House Ants are attracted to honey and other sweet foods. They most commonly nest outdoors under rocks, mulch, and other hiding places. They can and do also nest in walls and other interior spaces. These ants smell like licorice when crushed. Also called “Sugar Ants and Little Black Ants”. 1/32 – 1/16″ long.

Odorous house ants can be a persistent nuisance in homes, as they are known to forage for food in kitchens, pantries, and other areas where sweet substances may be present. Their small size and ability to nest in hard-to-reach places make them difficult to eliminate without professional pest control intervention. Additionally, their habit of creating multiple satellite colonies can make eradication efforts even more challenging. Homeowners facing infestations of odorous house ants may need to employ a combination of sanitation, exclusion, and possibly chemical treatments to effectively manage and control these pests.

Big Headed Ants

Big Headed Ants are small (approx. 1/16-1/8″ long) and redish-brown in color. Big Headed Ants like to make holes in the yard and may have several entry/exit points. These are common in Texas.

Big Headed Ants, also known as Pheidole megacephala, are known for their large heads and powerful jaws, which they use to transport food and defend their colonies. These ants are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from urban areas to natural habitats. Their colonies can range in size from a few hundred to several thousand ants, and they are known to forage for a wide variety of food sources. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, their presence in yards and gardens can be a nuisance, as they can disrupt the soil and cause damage to plants. Controlling Big Headed Ant populations often requires a combination of baiting, habitat modification, and professional pest control services.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants are generally large ants and can be black and orange, brown, or plain black. These ants are mostly nocturnal and will live in hollow trunks, ceilings, walls, and other parts of structures. These ants are a major cause of structural damage. They do not consume the wood they chew but hollow it to make a nest. They can do hundreds of millions of dollars of damage a year.

Carpenter ants are highly organized and work together to excavate wood and expand their nests. They are attracted to moist and decaying wood, making them particularly problematic in areas with water damage or high humidity. Their ability to compromise the integrity of wooden structures makes them a serious concern for homeowners and property managers. It’s crucial to address carpenter ant infestations promptly to prevent costly damage and ensure the safety and stability of buildings. Regular inspection and maintenance of wooden structures can help detect and prevent infestations before they cause significant harm.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat Ants can be found indoors or outdoors. They can be found in firewood, under rocks, trees, and indoors in areas like electrical wires.

Acrobat ants are known for their distinctive ability to raise their abdomen over their head, giving them their name. These ants are small and typically range in color from light brown to black. They are known to be omnivorous, feeding on a variety of substances including insects, honeydew, and other sweet liquids. When indoors, acrobat ants can often be found foraging for food in kitchens and pantries, making them a common nuisance pest for homeowners. Their ability to nest in a variety of locations both indoors and outdoors makes them a challenging pest to manage. If left unchecked, acrobat ant colonies can grow to significant numbers, resulting in potential damage to structures and food contamination.