Many nuisance pests thrive in South Florida thanks to the region’s unique hot and humid climate. Ants pose a significant problem for many South Florida homeowners—even in the cleanest of houses, it’s not unusual to find a trail of these tiny six-legged creatures marching along the floor, across countertops, or up walls.
The State of Florida is home to nearly 20 different ant species and identifying any ants living on your property is critical for effective elimination. While you should always consult with a pest control expert for the most accurate ant identification, here’s a brief guide to the most common types of ants in South Florida, so you know what type of infestation you’re dealing with:
- Argentine Ants: These ants are shiny, dark black, and very industrious. While they like to build nests near water sources beneath stones or boards, they can also live indoors in wall voids and insulation. Their sheer population size can cause chaos in any home—they reproduce rapidly and form interconnecting colonies that lead to massive infestations.
- Carpenter Ants: Often mistaken for termites, carpenter ants are common in South Florida. These dark black ants can grow to ½” in length, and they pose a danger to any household as they feed on the wood used in homes and other structures. If you’re dealing with heavy carpenter ant activity, it’s a good indication you have a moisture issue within your home.
- Fire Ants: Reddish-brown in color and growing up to ¼” in length, fire ants are aggressive and will attack any person or animal they deem a threat. You’ll often find them in South Florida yards living in dome-shaped nests that they vigilantly protect.
- Ghost Ants: These tiny ants are very common throughout South Florida and love to make themselves at home in your kitchen. Ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters long, these pesky ants can quickly contaminate food, and finding and removing a colony can be challenging.
Ants Are a Threat to Your Home, Family, and Pets
Ants put your property and family at risk, no matter what type of species has invaded your home or yard. When ants make their way indoors, they’re constantly searching for food, contaminating surfaces with bacteria as they travel through your home.
While all ants pose potential health hazards, there’s one species you have to worry about when it comes to biting—the fire ant. Although fire ants prefer living outdoors, they’re still a threat to your family and pets. Fire ant bites hurt, and their venom is strong enough to cause an allergic reaction that ranges from mild to severe. In short, no matter what type of ant species you’re dealing with inside your home or outside in your yard, you need to call in the pest control experts to handle the problem and keep your family safe.
Call Service Choice of South Florida at the First Sign of an Ant Infestation
Ants are resilient pests, and no matter the species, they reproduce fast. Rather than resorting to DIY ant control methods—and risking the health and safety of your family—call Service Choice of South Florida today at (954) 568-9955. Using family-friendly pest control methods, we’ll get your home and yard ant-free in no time.
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