Ant Control 101: What Every Los Angeles County Homeowner Ought To Know

Several types of ants are in Los Angeles County. These tiny insects are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause harm to you and your family. If you are having a hard time getting rid of the ants in your home, HomeShield Pest Control is here to help. We provide comprehensive pest control in Los Angeles County and know what you should do to eliminate ants in your home for good. 

Life Cycle And Diets Of Common Ants

Ants go through four stages of life, which include:

• Egg: Ant eggs are tiny, white balls about the size of a pinpoint. It usually takes about three or four weeks for these eggs to hatch. 
• Larva: The larvae emerge from the egg when it hatches. The larvae have small worm-shaped bodies. They don't have legs or eyes, but they do have mouths. They will eat a lot for the first few weeks of life or until they grow big enough to go into the next stage.
• Pupa: During this stage, the ant starts to look more recognizable. It grows legs and eyes, and its body starts to form to look more like an adult ant. Depending on the species, some ants will wrap themselves in a cocoon to keep them protected while they complete this stage of life.
• Adults: After the pupa is fully grown, it will enter the adult stage. The adult ants divide into three categories — queen, worker, and male. 

Ants have a major sweet tooth. They love to devour sugary foods. However, these tiny insects are omnivores and eat various types of fruits, veggies, meats, and fats. 

An Ant Infestation Can Be More Than Just A Nuisance

Ants are more than just a nuisance; some species are destructive. The carpenter ant, for example, is commonly found in Los Angeles county. This species is similar to a termite in the way it plows through wood; however, carpenter ants use it as nesting galleries, while termites eat the wood. Carpenter ants cause a lot of property damage to homes and other wooden structures. 

Ants are also known as filthy insects. They spend most of their lives crawling across unsanitary surfaces. If they walk around your food or food preparation surfaces, they can pass harmful bacteria and diseases to you. Some of the illnesses that you can catch from having an ant infestation in your home include:

• Streptococcus
• Salmonellosis
• E. coli infection
• Staph infection

Fire ants are also commonly found in this area. These ants are usually outdoors but sometimes find their way into a house now and then. Fire ants can both sting and bite you. Some people have a severe allergic reaction to a fire ant sting, which can be life-threatening.

Simple Tips To Prevent In The House

If you want to keep ants out of your home, follow these tips:

• Keep all of your dry food in a safe and sealable container.
• Mop and sweep your floors regularly to ensure no food crumbs are left behind. 
• Keep a lid on your outdoor trash cans. And don't let the trash in the inside trash cans sit for too long.
• Wipe down your countertops often.
• Fix any leaky pipes or faucets. And make sure to wipe away any water droplets off the sink and countertop after you use the faucets.

You should also check around the perimeter of your house to make sure there are no cracks or gaps anywhere. If you do see a possible entry point, use caulk or some other material to seal it up.

The Secret To Total Ant Control For Los Angeles County Homes

The best and fastest way to get rid of your ant problem in Los Angeles County is to call a professional. At HomeShield Pest Control, we have years of experience dealing with the common ants in this area. We know how to get rid of the ants in your house and keep them from coming back.