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    • Ant Pest Control In Sacramento | Pro Advice On Keeping Ants Out

    Ant pest control in Sacramento is necessary all year. In the Sacramento region, ants are a serious problem for homeowners and business owners. Our humid weather and mild winters mean that there aren’t many challenges that keep ant populations in check. That means we have quite a few species in the Sacramento area that can cause homeowners headaches.

    Ants are nuisance pests. They will consume food and food products around your home. They are not particular about what they walk across, which can lead to the transfer of bacteria onto food surfaces, creating a health risk. However, since they are distantly related to wasps, ants share some characteristics, such as an instinct to protect their nests. Soldier ants will send out a chemical signal to other ants to come to defend the nest, and this is when they can swarm.

    While keeping ants out of Sacramento homes is challenging, it is possible. You can find out what draws local species and their risk factors with some reading. Further, you will learn how we can be of assistance. We provide residential and commercial pest services for ants, bed bugs, rodents, and more.

    From property damage to bacterial contamination to nasty stings, common ants can be more than just a nuisance. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can repel ants. Let’s take a look.

    Common Local Sacramento Ant Species: Watch Out for These Ants

    Dozens of ant species call California home. However, you’re more likely to run into some varieties in your home than others. Common pest ant species in our area include:

    Argentine Ants Argentine ant swarm of reddish brown ants with black abdomens frenzy on loose sandy soil.

    These small, dark brown to black ants are notorious for forming massive colonies that can displace native ant species. They are highly adaptable and tend to invade homes for food, particularly sweets and greasy substances. Argentine ants do not sting, but their sheer numbers make them a persistent nuisance, and their ability to contaminate food can be a problem in residential and commercial settings.

    Pavement Ants Black pavement ants swarm ant ill crawling on top of each other in a wild frenzy.

    Named for their habit of nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations, pavement ants are small, brown to black ants commonly seen in urban areas. They are known for invading homes looking for food, especially sugary or greasy substances. While not aggressive, pavement ants can bite if provoked, and their large colonies can be difficult to control once established.

    Thief Ants Many yellow thief ants surround larva to transport it elsewhere.

    These tiny, pale yellow to brown ants are known for nesting near or inside the colonies of other ants, where they steal food and larvae. Thief ants are often mistaken for pharaoh ants due to their small size, but they can be a bigger nuisance because of their ability to infiltrate sealed food containers. They prefer high-protein foods like meats and grease, making them a common pest in kitchens and pantries.

    Velvety Tree Ants Velvety tree ants work together attacking an insect.

    These reddish-brown to black ants get their name from their abdomens’ soft, velvety appearance. They are aggressive when disturbed and can deliver a painful bite, sometimes releasing a foul-smelling odor as a defense mechanism. Velvety tree ants typically nest in decaying wood, tree cavities, and sometimes even inside homes, where they can cause damage similar to carpenter ants by hollowing out wooden structures.

    Carpenter Ants Carpenter ants crawling all over tunnels eaten out of wood to form a colony.

    These large, black ants are particularly dangerous to a property because they nest in wood. That means they chew tunnels into wood trim and other structures in homes and commercial buildings. If left alone, a serious carpenter ant infestation can damage a home or business.

    Tawny Crazy Ants

    Tawny crazy ants are named for their erratic running patterns. As their name suggests, these hairy, yellow to dark brown ants move fast and wildly. Indoors, they like to nest in potted plants.

    Fire Ants Fire ants, orange in color, foraging around a granite rock and a stick.

    Red fire ants are native to South America, not California, but they’ve become endemic here in just a few decades. These small, red-and-brown ants are highly aggressive and can inflict a nasty sting. When disturbed, they swarm by the thousands, stinging as many times as possible to eliminate any perceived threat. California Fire Ants and Red Imported Fire Ants are the Sacramento County area’s most common fire ant species.

    Odorous House Ants

    Odorous house ants are not dangerous; they’re just a nuisance. But they live up to their name, emitting a putrid coconut smell when frightened or crushed. They can’t hurt you, but they can stink up your home.

    Pharaoh Ants Nest of Pharaoh ants with many ants crawling in nest and on tree.

    Another invasive species, the pharaoh ant, hails from Africa and has hitchhiked worldwide on human shipping routes. Pharaoh ants are dangerous because they spread clostridium, salmonella, staph, and strep. Pharaoh ants don’t just contaminate food stores in residential areas; they also love to infest medical facilities and contaminate things like wounds and IV fluids.

    Ant Pest Control And Ant Prevention Tips

    When it comes to ants, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that ants are motivated to enter your home or business. There are too many goodies inside for them not to be tempted. The good news is there are things you can do to keep ants away:

    1. Proper food and trash storage – Keep anything edible to ants in hard containers with tightly fitting lids. This includes leftover food, trash, pantry food, and pet food.
    2. Adequate cleanup – Vacuum often to reduce crumbs that could attract ants. Never leave dirty dishes sitting around, not even in the sink. That includes pet food bowls. If you see a line of ants, disrupt their pheromone signals by spraying them with vinegar.
    3. Physical barriers – Seal up any openings in your home that could provide access to ants. Ants can crawl through tiny cracks. To keep ants out of your home, seal cracks and holes in the foundation and siding, gaps under door sweeps, and rips or tears in window screens.
    4. Professional help – Ant colonies can be difficult to eliminate alone. They’re large, complex, and resilient. Some ant varieties can even create a new queen from their existing population if they lose the old one. That means you may need to bring out the big bug guns. Professional pest management and ant control technicians can get the job done.

    Signs Of Ant Infestation

    FAQ About Sacramento Ant Pest Control

    How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation?

    Professional ant extermination pest control can cost between $150 and $500, depending on the infestation size, treatment method, and home size. Severe infestations or recurring treatments may cost $1,000 or more.

    Is It Worth Getting an Exterminator for Ants?

    Yes, hiring an exterminator is worth it for large or recurring infestations. Professionals use specialized baits and pest control treatments to eliminate colonies at the source, reducing the risk of re-infestation.

    Will Pest Control Get Rid of Ants?

    To eliminate ant infestations, pest control professionals use baits, insecticides, and exclusion methods. They also identify entry points and recommend prevention strategies to keep ants from returning.

    What Is the Best Treatment for Ant Infestation?

    Call the IPM Ant Exterminator to Eliminate Ants

    Here at Local Pest Solutions, we’ve got the customer-friendly Sacramento ant control services you need for effective, year-round pest control. Spraying ants with pesticides won’t stop more from coming in. ​ Since most ants live outside, we focus on preventing their entry by caulking entryways, advising our customers to eliminate food sources, and using baits when needed. ​

    We’ve kept area pests – including multiple ant varieties – at bay for over 15 years. Our family-owned and operated pest control company prides itself on being the best pest control in Sacramento has to offer. We have affordable pest control plans. Contact us today to request a free ant control service inspection at 209-309-7378.