What Are Ants?


Ants are the most common pest control problem reported and often one of the most difficult to treat due to the size of their colonies.  In a single colony there may be thousands of ants existing and a single property may contain multiple colonies.  While there are thousands of species of ants, in Pennsylvania  we frequently encounter four types of pest control ants and they are:

  • Carpenter Ants - are about 5/8" long, make burrows in damp wood, but can go from there to damage solid wood. They do not eat the wood, but simply remove it for nests.

  • Red Imported Fire Ants - vary in size from 1/8" to 3/8", make large mounds for nests; give a painful sting. They will enter a building through cracks and holes.

  • Pavement Ants - about 1/8" long; make their nests in cracks in pavement; can infest a building.

  • Pharaoh Ants - about 1/16" long; are commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, apartment buildings, etc.; are capable of transmitting Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas infections in a hospital setting.

  • Why do I have ants?

These tiny scavengers will enter your home or business looking for moisture and an accessible food source. Sometimes even rotting or damp wood that has mold damage can attract ants. Most, but not all ants feed on most kinds of sweets. They also feed on cheese, meats, vegetables, grease, peanut butter, and dead insects.  Ants often enter a home through cracks around windows or doors, but may also be able to get in through holes for wires.

  • Are ants dangerous?


In Pennsylvania  most pest control ant species we deal with are either considered a nuisance pest (such as Pavement ants) or wood destroying insects (such as Carpenter ants).  Fire Ants, however, pose a serious health threat and are notorious for their painful, burning sting that results in a pustule and intense itching, which may persist for 10 days. Infections may occur if pustules are broken. Some people have allergic reactions to fire ant stings that range from rashes and swelling to paralysis, or anaphylactic shock. In rare instances, severe allergic reactions cause death.

  • How do I get rid of ants?


Ants can be an extremely difficult pest control problem to solve due to their foraging nature and colony development.  Only a small percentage of pest control ants within a colony are actively foraging for food, it is essential to inspect and pinpoint where ants are coming from.  Because pest control colonies are often located far away from the infested structure and not even located on the property, it is important to seek help from a professional in order to successfully eradicate the ant population.  Pest Control Treatment is best when it is performed near the nest - instead of being widely applied.   At Raifsnider's  Pest Control we are ready to come and evaluate the extent of your ant problem and will provide you with a free estimate. We use a minimum amount of the correct pest control  treatment designed for a particular type of insect - to give you the fastest and best results pest control possible.

  • How soon can you get here?


At Raifsnider's we take all pest control problems seriously and are committed to helping you as soon as possible.  In most cases we can respond the same or very next day.

 

  • How can I prevent this in the future?


Ant pest control  problems can be difficult to prevent and that is why many of our clients opt to receive regular pest control service to keep their homes or businesses free of ants and other pests. Call our pest control service today

Raifsnider's Exterminating
550 Melvin Rd Telford, PA 18969 US
Phone: 215-721-9555 Website: www.Raifsnider-1.com