You're not alone if you've seen more ants than usual marching around your Orange County home. Ants are a common problem in Orange County and can be challenging to eliminate without the help of a professional. While they may seem harmless, ants can cause many problems in your home if left unchecked. 

At HomeShield Pest Control, we're experts in ant pest control in Orange County. Our team of professionals can help identify the type of ants invading your home and develop a customized plan to eliminate them. Our products are eco-friendly and safe for your family and pets. 

Contact us today to learn more about ant control in Orange County and how we can keep these pesky invaders out for good. 

The Many Types of Ants That Can Invade Orange County Area Homes

If you live in the Orange County area, chances are you've had to deal with ants at one point or another. These tiny pests can be a considerable nuisance, and eliminating them can be challenging. But did you know that several different types of ants can invade your home? Let's take a closer look at some of the most common ones:

  • Argentine ants: One of the most common types of ants in the Orange County area is the Argentine ant. These small, dark-colored ants are only about an eighth of an inch long, but they can wreak havoc in your home if they're not dealt with quickly. Argentine ants are attracted to sweet things like sugar and honey, so usually, they are in kitchens. They also like to build their nests in moist areas so you might find them near your plumbing fixtures or in your bathroom.
  • Carpenter ants: Carpenter ants get their name because they're known for hollowing out wood to build their nests. If you see these large (up to half an inch long) black or red ants crawling around your wood furniture or trim, you'll want to take action right away to eliminate them before they cause any damage. Carpenter ants are attracted to sweets and protein so they can be found anywhere in your home.
  • Odorous house ants: These ants get their name because they give off a foul-smelling odor when crushed. These small, brown, or black ants are attracted to sweets and often build their nests near water sources, and you might find them in your kitchen or bathroom sink cabinet. Odorous house ants can also be a problem in gardens, as they eat about anything, including plants.
  • Pavement ants: Pavement ants get their name because they often build their nests under paving stones or other objects on your property. While these small black or brown ants aren't usually a problem inside homes, they can become a nuisance if they find their way inside through cracks or crevices in the foundation or walls. Pavement ants are primarily attracted to sweets but feed on protein if necessary. 
  • Red imported fire ants: Red imported fire ants are not as common in Orange County as some of the other types of ants on this list, but they can still be a problem if they find their way into your yard or home. These red ants can give off a painful sting if they're disturbed. They're also known for being very aggressive, so it's best to stay away from them if you see them on your property. 

These are just a few ants that can invade your Orange County area home. Call our ant pest control pros at HomeShield Pest Control if you're dealing with any of these pests. We offer eco-friendly ant control solutions, and we'll be happy to help you eliminate them for good.

ants on wood

All The Problems An Ant Infestation Can Cause In A House

No one likes having ants in their home. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also cause some serious problems. Here are just a few of the issues that an ant infestation can cause in an Orange County home:

  • Structural damage: Carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to wooden structures. If you have carpenter ants in your home, it's crucial to eliminate them as soon as possible before they do any more damage.
  • Health hazards: Some species, such as fire ants, can deliver a painful sting. Others, like pharaoh ants, can spread diseases and bacteria, including salmonella and staph infections.
  • Food contamination: If ants get into your food, they can contaminate it and make you sick; this is primarily a problem if you have small children or pets prone to putting things in their mouths without checking first. To avoid this problem, keep food sealed tight and store it where ants cannot get to it (like the refrigerator).

As you can see, there are many problems that an ant infestation can cause in an Orange County home. If you have ants in your home, please call HomeShield Pest Control. Our safe and effective home pest control for ants will quickly eliminate the problem so you can rest easy.

Five Eco-Friendly Ant Prevention Tips For Around The House

Given that ants are prevalent (and pesky), it's no wonder that we're always looking for ways to eliminate them. But what if we told you there are eco-friendly ways to keep ants out of your house without resorting to harsh chemicals? Here are five tips to get you started:

  1. Keep your house clean: This one might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating, a clean home is less likely to attract ants. Be sure to sweep and vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces with a natural cleaning solution (vinegar and water work well). Clean any crumbs or spills immediately, as ants are attracted to food sources.
  2. Seal cracks and crevices: Ants can enter your home through the smallest openings, so it's essential to seal them in your foundation, walls, or floors. Caulking is a quick and easy way to do this and will also help improve your home's energy efficiency.  
  3. Use essential oils: Certain essential oils, like peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, and lemongrass, are repellents for ants (and other pests). You can purchase essential oils at most health food stores or online. Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around windowsills, doorways, and other areas where ants tend to congregate. Or, place a few drops on a cotton ball and leave it near potential entry points. Please don't spray directly on surfaces that come into contact with food, as essential oils can be toxic when ingested. 
  4. Make a DIY ant trap: Consider using eco-friendly ingredients like honey or borax (a natural compound found in many household cleaners). Please be cautious when setting these traps; you don't want small children or pets getting into them. Once you catch the ants, release them far away from your home. 
  5. Remove plant litter from your yard: Leaves, twigs, and other plant debris can attract ants (and other pests) to your yard. To help prevent this, practice outdoor ant control by regularly cleaning up plant litter. You can also trim trees and bushes, so they're not touching your house, as this will create a "barrier" that ants will be less likely to cross.

Putting pesticides around your home might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about getting rid of ants - but there are more eco-friendly ways to go about it. Following these tips,  you can keep ants out of your house without chemicals. Bonus: many of these tips will also help deter other common household pests like cockroaches and spiders. 

If you're still struggling to eradicate ants or have another pest problem, call HomeShield Pest Control. Our team of experts will be happy to help you find a safe solution for your family and your home.

Professional Ant Control Is The Best Solution For Orange County Homes

Here in Orange County, we're no strangers to bugs. From cockroaches to spiders to termites, it seems like there's always something crawling around that we'd rather not have in our homes. Of all the pests plaguing us here in Southern California, ants might be the most prevalent and annoying. 

That's why at HomeShield Pest Control, we offer professional ant control services to keep them away. Our highly trained and experienced technicians will work diligently to identify the source of your ant problem and eradicate it at the root. Because we know how important it is to keep your home safe for your family (including your four-legged friends), we always use environmentally-friendly methods and products. 

You can call us today to learn how our eco-friendly ant control for your house can help you rest easy and keep those ants out for good.