How To Get Rid Of Ant Infestations In Your Los Angeles County Home

Ants in Los Angeles County are a more common pest problem than most people realize. They are one of the main pests that invade houses and properties. Overall, ants are considered nuisance pests, but some species can cause other problems. A few can pose health risks or destroy property, and even nuisance ants are somewhat tricky to remove.

If you are dealing with an ant infestation, the best way to remove it is with assistance from Los Angeles County pest control experts. Read on to learn more!

What Type Of Ant Is In My Los Angeles Home?

There are two species of ants in the area; the first is the nuisance species. These include the pavement ant and the odorous house ant. The pavement ant is a dark brown and is usually found near sidewalks coming out of dirt piles. Then, there are odorous house ants which are light reddish-brown and can be identified by the smell of rotten coconuts they emit when they are crushed.

Next, there are the more problematic and troublesome ants in Los Angeles County. These include carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, and fire ants. Carpenter ants are notable for their ability to tunnel through wooden structures and damage property. Pharaoh ants and fire ants can both cause health risks. The pharaoh ant is a yellowish-tan color, and they are known for transmitting illnesses. Also, the red-imported fire ant can sting and inject venom.  

Which Ants In Los Angeles Bite?

Technically, anything with a mouth can bite, but there are only one ant species in our area that you have to worry about biting you. The fire ant does bite and sting, and their stinger can inject venom. Luckily, this venom is relatively harmless to most people, but it is painful and causes a burning sensation. However, this will usually go away after a short time. 

However, there are some risks to these stings as some people are allergic to fire ant venom. In these cases, fire ant stings can lead to more severe complications.

The Problems Ants Can Cause In Your Los Angeles House

Whether you’re dealing with nuisance or troublesome ant species, they can all get into your food. Ants will seek out food sources to consume, and they generally aren’t very choosy. They will get into pantries, find spills on the floor, or eat pet food. They will also find things like rotting produce around your yard.

While not all ant species will spread illness to the food items and surfaces they touch, species like the pharaoh ant can. It’s vital to discard the food ants get into, regardless of the species.

Then, there's the carpenter ant which can do more than invade your pantry. These ants can destroy wooden items and structures that can cost a lot of money to repair. 

The other issue with all ants in the area is that they can be a challenge to remove. Many create huge colonies, so the only truly effective way to eradicate them is with assistance from the trusted Los Angeles ant control pros at HomeShield Pest Control.

The Best Way To Protect Your Los Angeles Home From Ants

With HomeShield Pest Control, we provide more than just ant control for existing infestations. We also offer ongoing ant prevention options. Prevention is much easier than removal, so our treatment plans will deter ants from coming around throughout the year. Discover more about getting effective pest control for ants by giving us a call today.