Sometimes it seems that all ants are the same. Some are bigger, some are smaller, but besides this, they all cause the same problems, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case. In Las Vegas, there are dozens of ant species. Many are looking for shelter opportunities on area properties. One species you should be concerned about is the harvester ant. These problematic yard pests are a bane to many homeowners and could be causing trouble on your property soon. To make sure you are informed enough to stop this from happening, here are some things you should know about harvester ants and how bad they are on Las Vegas properties.
What Are Harvester Ants?
Harvester ants were given their name for the way they harvest and consume seeds. Known for establishing nests in urban environments, these pests are a common sight in yards here in Las Vegas. One thing that makes them easier to spot and identify is the way they consume vegetation around their nests. This creates dead patches in grass and makes lawns look unhealthy.
Identify a live harvester ant by its six legs, orange, red, or brownish-black color, and ¼ to ½ inch-long body. Under magnification, you might also notice that these pests have two-segmented midsections, a pair of spines, and long hairs on their head that form a beard.
How Destructive Are Harvester Ants?
Harvester ants build their homes underground. During times of climate change, these pests will dig deeper to provide extra security. They also construct multiple entrances to make for easy entry and exit. What does this mean for your yard? It means lots of dead patches of grass and destroyed plant growth. As colonies of these pests grow, this damage may become more severe and noticeable.
Are Harvester Ants Dangerous?
Harvester ants may look harmless, but they are capable of inflicting painful stings when they are threatened. These stings cause irritation, a minor to moderate pain response, and can trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. To find out if you are allergic to their venom, consult with your doctor.
Are Harvester Ants Preventable?
Ants are a lot easier to prevent when they are trying to invade homes. Because of the way harvester ants build their nests, keeping these pests away often proves difficult. The good news is that each colony of harvester ants has only one queen. If you are able to eliminate her, then her workers will be aimless and eventually die off. But this is much easier said than done, especially when there is more than one nest on your property.
When To Contact A Professional About Your Harvester Ant Problems
The only way to ensure harvester ants get (and stay) off your property is to trust a pest control professional. To make sure you are well taken care of, let our friendly and experienced technicians at Anderson Pest Control lend you a helping hand. We have been combating pests like harvester ants for years. Locally owned and family-run, we will work for you and find a control option that best fits your individual needs. We are also here to help you identify other pest pressures on your property and to offer answers to keep them from invading your home. Whatever pest solution you are looking for, we are confident we have an option for your here.
Contact our team today to learn more about our comprehensive service plans. One of our friendly technicians will answer any questions you have and help you schedule an appointment for your Las Vegas home and property.