When The Ants Go Marching Into Your Houston Home

Many different kinds of Texas ants can make their way into your Houston home. Ants are different sizes and colors, and they can cause unique problems. Here are six common ants that you’ll find in and around houses in Houston.

Odorous Ants - The odorous ant is named for a foul smell it emits when crushed. Some say it smells like rotten coconut, and can linger in your home long after the ant is dead. Aside from the smell, you can identify these ants by their hairless bodies, which can range from brown to black. These ants don't bite or cause significant harm, but they are certainly a nuisance pest that you don't want in your home.

Fire Ants - You've probably heard of fire ants, and you may be familiar with their painful stings. Fire ants bite their victim in order to get enough of a grip to then sting. These ants are relatively aggressive and will sting many times. They are a reddish-brown color and often lighter in color than other ants.

Carpenter Ants - Carpenter ants earn their name from their destructive tendencies toward wood. They dig tunnels through the wooden structures of your home, causing significant property damage. They are usually larger than other ants and are a dark brown color.

Crazy Ants - This ant is sometimes called the Raspberry Ant. Sometimes they bite, and their bite can feel like a painful sting. These ants are dangerous because they are attracted to electrical equipment. When they find electronics, they get inside and chew wires. Not only does this damage the equipment, but it can cause electrical fires as well.

Rover Ants - Rover ants are incredibly small, and lighter than many other ants. They are a brownish, yellowish color. These ants are attracted to moisture. If you have rover ants in your home, you likely have a leak or other buildup of water.

Pharaoh Ants - Pharaoh ants, like odorous ants, secrete a terrible smell when crushed. The pharaoh ant is said to give off an odor similar to urine, making them an extreme nuisance pest. They're attracted primarily to sugar, and you will find them mainly in your kitchen or bathroom, where they can discover sugars in items such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Why Ant Prevention Matters In Houston

Ant prevention is crucial for Houston homeowners due to the city's warm and humid climate, which creates the perfect environment for ant infestations. Houston's weather not only invites humans to enjoy the outdoors but also encourages ants to seek shelter and forage for food indoors. Here are several compelling reasons why ant prevention is essential for homeowners in the Houston area.

First and foremost, ants can quickly establish colonies within homes, causing damage and discomfort. Common ant species in Houston, like the invasive Argentine ants and odorous house ants, can be particularly bothersome. These ants often enter homes through tiny cracks and openings in search of food and water. Once inside, they leave chemical trails for their fellow colony members to follow, which leads to a growing infestation.

Ants are not just a nuisance; they can contaminate food and cause unsightly trails in kitchens and pantries. Their presence can lead to food spoilage and health concerns, especially when ants are attracted to sugary or protein-rich items. This is a particular concern in a city known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene.

Ant infestations can also harm the structural integrity of homes. Carpenter ants, which are prevalent in Houston, excavate wood to build their nests. Over time, this can weaken wooden structures, potentially leading to costly repairs.

Furthermore, the warm and humid climate of Houston encourages ant species that thrive indoors, making infestations more common. Effective ant prevention measures are necessary to keep homes ant-free. This involves sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and eliminating food sources.

In Houston, where outdoor living is a way of life, patios and outdoor dining areas are popular. However, these areas can also attract ants. Homeowners should take steps to prevent ants from entering these spaces, ensuring a pest-free environment for outdoor relaxation and gatherings.

In conclusion, ant prevention is essential for Houston homeowners because of the city's climate, which is conducive to ant infestations. These pests can disrupt daily life, contaminate food, damage structures, and pose health concerns. By implementing effective ant prevention measures, homeowners can protect their homes and enjoy a more comfortable and pest-free living environment in the Bayou City.

Ant Damage

As we’ve seen, each type of ant causes unique problems for your home and family. Ants are, primarily, a nuisance. They usually come into your house in large numbers and can contaminate food areas. They may bite or sting, and this always comes with the risk of allergic reactions. They can damage your home by destroying wooden structures, ruining electronic devices, and starting fires. Though they seem small, ants should never be ignored!

Why Ant Prevention Matters In Houston

Avoiding Ants

To keep ants out of your home, you need to know what draws them in in the first place. Here are some common factors that attract ants and what you can do to prevent them.

Food - Ants come into homes in search of food. They may find it in crumbs in the kitchen or an open tube of toothpaste in the bathroom. To limit their food source, you should keep your home clean and never leave food sitting out. Keep in mind that even dog food can attract ants.
Moisture - Many ants love moisture, so minimizing the amount of humidity in your house will help deter them. You can also prevent an ant infestation by clearing your yard of debris and other hiding places.
Shelter - Ants may just be looking for a place to wait out the winter. When ants come to your house, the fastest way to eliminate them is by calling Modern Pest Control. Ants can be dangerous and they are certainly frustrating.

Luckily, Modern Pest Control knows how to get ants out of your house just as quickly as they came in.