Common Ants In Indianapolis, And How They Affect You

If you've ever had questions about ant control in Indianapolis, then you have come to the right place. Today we will be talking about everything ant, from types of ants, to how dangerous they are. If you want to learn about ants, stick around.

Types Of Ants In Indianapolis

The three main types of ants found here in Indianapolis are pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants.

1. Pavement ants are tiny brown to black ants that are usually found beneath concrete slabs but are notorious for getting into homes.
2. Odorous house ants are small and shiny, and they emit a pungent odor when crushed. They are also common inside Midwestern homes.
3. Carpenter ants are large and black and are a threat to homes because of their wood-destroying burrowing.

Will These Ants Hurt You?

It is possible for some types of ants to bite, but these bites are not dangerous enough to warrant a trip to the hospital.

Do Fire Ants Live In Indiana?

Although less common, we do have fire ants here in Indiana. These tiny red ants are known for their painful bites and stings that leave behind a burning sensation across the skin, hence their name. Unlike the ants above, fire ants can be slightly dangerous, but only in that their bites can become infected if not cleaned and taken care of properly.

Can Ants Hurt Your Home?

Yes, but only if they are carpenter ants. Most ants enter homes through tiny gaps or cracks that already exist, but carpenter ants create new tunnels through wood. Carpenter ants cause millions of dollars in property damage each year in the United States. Also, it is worth mentioning that odorous house ants might not do damage as carpenter ants can, but they can cause quite a stink if they are left to multiply.

Can Ants Make You Sick?

Well, aside from the sight of ants all over your home making you sick to your stomach, ants can and do spread harmful bacteria. They will walk around in garbage and sewage areas, then walk around on your countertops and food. They do not, however, carry diseases inside them the way some other harmful pests do.

Why Do Ants Invade Homes?

Ants are scavenging pests that search a distance away from their colonies to find food and water. You may be wondering, what do ants eat? This all depends on the species. The most common home-invading ants are most commonly omnivores, meaning that they eat what we eat. If your home has leftover hamburgers on the stove, baked goods on the counter, or chips in a bowl, ants have a reason to invade your home.

Is There Any Way To Get Rid Of Ants Using Do-It-Yourself Methods?

The answer to this question is yes, and no. DIY methods of controlling ants are usually only partially successful. You can get rid of a number of ants using over-the-counter products and DIY strategies. The problem is they keep coming back! Ants breed quickly and they will simply split their colonies when their populations are threatened, which means you could end up having even more ants to deal with.

So What Can You Do If Your Home Has Been Infested With Ants?

If you are seeing pavement ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, or any other kind of ants in and around your Indianapolis home, the only way to get rid of them safely and completely is with the help of professional pest control. Here at Action Pest Control, we have 68 years of experience, over 70 state-certified pest management professionals, and are QualityPro certified. We can take care of any kind of ants you may be dealing with, along with any other type of household pest. You don't have to live with ants in your home. Let the professionals here at Action Pest Control help.