Ants In Tulsa: Which Species To Watch Out For
Tulsa, OK, residents will most often come across three main species of ants in their home: odorous house ants, Pharaoh ants, and carpenter ants.
- Odorous house ants reach ⅛ an inch long, and are brown or black in color with an uneven thorax. Odorous house ants are not dangerous, but will emit a rotten-coconut scent when crushed.
- Pharaoh ants reach approximately 1/16 inch long and are yellow in color. Their thorax is also uneven, and lacks spines. Pharaoh ants are known to spread bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus, clostridium, and streptococcus. This bacteria most often spreads through food sources, meaning if you suspect an open food package to have been invaded by Pharaoh ants, you should dispose of the food immediately and call a licensed pest control company.
- Carpenter ants are typically black in color, though they may also be yellow or red. These ants range in size from ⅛ to ½ inch in length, and make their home inside wood structures. Workers have large mandibles. Though carpenter ants are not dangerous to human health, they can cause significant structural damage.
Preventing Future Ants
Homeowners hoping to arm their home against future ant infestations can follow seven easy tips to lower the chances of ants finding their way into the home in the first place.
- Deep cleaning is a great place to start in making your home an undesirable location for scouting ants. Ants are attracted to food, so make sure to thoroughly wipe out cupboards and under heavy appliances and furniture.
- Eliminate access to food and water — ensure all food is properly stored in tightly-sealed containers. Clean up any food or drink spills in a timely manner.
- Regularly dispose of trash, and use a trash can with a sealed lid.
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any potential access points, especially around outdoor utility pipes or torn screens. Fill any gaps with a silicone-based caulk, and replace any torn door or window screens. Ensure all doors are outfitted with fitted door sweeps.
- Eliminate excess moisture that could lead to standing water in the home. Check for leaking pipes and air conditioners. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
- Remove excess yard debris regularly to minimize desirable nesting locations.
- If you notice ants in your home, call a professional, licensed pest management company.
Neighbors in the surrounding Tulsa area can trust Montgomery Exterminating to identify which type of ant infestation they have, and how to best solve it promptly. Our expert service technicians will inspect your property in order to best formulate a customer-specific plan of action.
Service Tulsa, OK Can Trust
No matter the scope of your concern, if you notice active ant populations in or around your home, the best form of ant control always comes with professional assistance. Call Montgomery Exterminating today — our expert service technicians have the expertise and tools to get your home free of pests. Montgomery Exterminating has been serving the surrounding Tulsa area since 1989.
Leave pest management to the professionals — call for your free estimate, today!
