If you've ever wondered what the most common species of ants are, read on. Here, you'll learn about their behaviors, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them. In addition, you'll learn the costs involved in fire ant control.
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Common species of ants
If you're dealing with an ant infestation, there are several common species to know and avoid. Learn to identify the type of ant you're dealing with by identifying its habits. For example, Acrobat ants are known for waving their thorax when threatened. They're also very predictable and will follow well-defined trails to find food. These ants typically make their nests outdoors, in rotting wood, or in the foundation of your home.
Another common species of ants are the red imported species, which feed on meat, fruit, and greasy foods. You can try to prevent them from colonizing your home by sealing up holes and making sure spills are cleaned up. You may also consider hiring a pest control professional to treat ant nests.
Ways to get rid of big-headed ants
While big headed ants do not usually bite humans, they can be a nuisance when they come inside your home. They prefer to nest outdoors and only come inside your home to search for food. In some cases, big headed ants can carry tapeworms, which is why getting rid of them from your home should be your first priority if you notice them.
If you can't get rid of them by yourself, a professional pest control service can help. These companies will use their experience and technical expertise to help you get rid of big-headed ants.
Ways to identify species of ants
It's possible to identify species of ants by their size and appearance. Worker ants are small and brownish-black in color, and have one or two nodes on their abdomen. While most species are workers, winged ants are rare. Color is an important factor in identifying ants, as the size of a worker ant can range from 1/20 inch to half an inch.
While field ants are not particularly dangerous, they can sting. These species can be particularly dangerous if you're allergic to them, so it's important to identify the species in your yard. These insects are usually found in communities, with colonies containing up to 500,000 ants. If you notice a mound of ants in your yard, you should remove it immediately to prevent further infestations.
Cost of fire ant control
The cost of fire ant control depends on the type of method used. Do-it-yourself fire ant control methods can be quite affordable, but if you'd like to hire a professional to complete the job, you'll need to pay more. The cost will vary based on the size of your property and the number of mounds you've noticed. A professional service will charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per acre, depending on the size and location of your property.
While many farmers and landowners are concerned about the cost of fire ant control, it's important to remember that fire ants actually provide some benefits. For example, they are a major predator of ticks. In fact, some field studies in Louisiana showed that fire ants significantly reduce tick populations. Additionally, fire ants also act as predators of immature forms of horn fly, a major pest of livestock in the United States.