If you’re a property owner in Las Vegas, chances are pretty high that you’re going to see ants around at one point or another. While ants aren’t always dangerous, some species can cause major issues and even pose health risks. Even less harmful species can be quite invasive and difficult to remove.
While it’s true that some ant species in Las Vegas cause property damage and endanger the health and others don’t, almost all ants in the area can create large, sprawling colonies that take a lot of effort to eliminate. Because of this, it's important to know how to both prevent and control ant infestations.
Ant Species In Las Vegas
First of all, knowing how to identify ant species can help you determine what kinds of problems you’re dealing with. Three of the most common nuisance species are Argentine ants, pavement ants, and harvester ants.
Argentine ants are dark brown to black in color and will move together in wide trails as they hunt for food. Pavement ants are a tiny, black ant species that is usually found in sidewalk cracks. And, harvester ants are red to black and are only about ½ an inch long. They get their name from harvesting seeds to bring back to their colonies.
Along with the nuisance species, there are also some more problem ants in the area including fire ants and carpenter ants. Fire ants are small reddish-brown ants that can both bite and sting. Swarming attacks from fire ants can be quite painful and even cause allergic reactions. Carpenter ants are black or red, and they are complicated to deal with because they chew through wood to build nests. This means they can ruin many wooden structures and cause significant property damage.
Can You Remove Ants On Your Own?
Since ants are a rather prevalent pest, many property owners assume they can remove infestations on their own. But, the truth is that these removal methods rarely work. While over-the-counter sprays and traps might eliminate some of the ants, they are very unlikely to eliminate the entire infestations.
There are many reasons for this. First of all, ant colonies can be much larger than they look on the surface, both in numbers of individuals and in the size of the nests. Thus, it can be quite hard to reach every ant, and many species will take measures to protect their queen or queens.
On top of these concerns, some products, like baits, can be dangerous, especially for children and pets who might mistake them for something to eat.
Why Professional Ant Control Is More Effective
At Anderson Pest Control, we have the tools and skills needed to destroy the nest and the queen, thus ensuring that the colony will be completely eradicated. We offer both residential and commercial ant control options, and we start by looking at what kind of ant you’re dealing with.
After identifying the species, we will evaluate the source of the invaders and learn how they are getting into the building. We will treat the nest directly using methods and products that work for that specific species. And, we then provide ongoing service to ensure ants don’t return in the future.
If you require ant removal or prevention services, call us today at (702) 356-0183 to request your free appointment.
A Few More Ant Prevention Tips
While ongoing professional services are the best way to keep ants away, it’s also a good idea to take steps to make your property less appealing to ants. Here are a few simple steps you can take to assist in keeping ants off of your property:
- Make sure that all garbage cans are covered with secure lids.
- Always clean up any food or drink spills right away.
- Store pet food indoors and in airtight containers.
- Replace any broken screens.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
For the best protection against ants and other pests, call Anderson Pest Control.