ANTS
Ant Control
If you reside or operate in New Jersey, chances are you've encountered one of the six ant species that are prevalent in this region. Among the most frequently encountered ant species in this state are carpenter ants, pavement ants, acrobat ants, odorous house ants, and citronella ants. To safeguard your residence or business from ant-related issues, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the behavior of these pests, implement preventive measures, and explore effective ant control methods in case of an infestation.
What Are Ants?
There are currently more than 12,000 identified ant species worldwide, and it is widely believed that many more undiscovered variants exist. These pests are recognized for their social behavior, residing in intricate underground communities, trees, wooden structures, or above-ground mounds of soil. While many ants primarily feed on nectar, fungi, and seeds, some exhibit unique dietary habits that can include birds, reptiles, and other small mammals. Ants are notorious for scavenging leftover food, trash, and crumbs. One of the most remarkable facts about ants is their incredible strength, as they can carry up to 5,000 times their own body weight in both food and materials for their nests.
How Do I Identify Ants?
Exterminators describe ants as diminutive, six-legged insects characterized by their segmented bodies, which consist of three parts: a head, thorax, and abdomen. In New Jersey, the prevalent ant species typically exhibit black, red, or orange hues. Ants are typically not solitary creatures; they are social insects that live collectively and collaborate on tasks such as foraging for food and constructing their colonies. Therefore, if you happen to observe a procession of insects heading towards a food source, it is highly likely that they are ants.
How Do I Get Ants?
Ants are known for their constant quest for food and water sources, and while some of these sources are within our control, others are not. Ants have a preference for consuming naturally occurring substances like nectar, fungi, seeds, and, in some cases, small mammals. This means that even impeccably clean homes or businesses can be vulnerable to ant infestations. Furthermore, the ants' frequent movement from one location to another can be frustrating when attempting to address the issue using do-it-yourself methods. Therefore, having a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of each ant species found in these regions is crucial for effective ant extermination and control.
Ants' Effects on Property
The adverse consequences of dealing with ants at your home or business can vary depending on the specific ant species involved. Given their small size and adaptability to various environments, ants have the potential to track and introduce garbage and unhygienic contaminants, leading to the proliferation of harmful bacteria. While most smaller ant species are not known for biting, larger ants such as carpenter ants can inflict bites.