Ants are very common pests in Austin homes. These highly adaptable insects are capable of surviving in any environment and enter homes in search of either food, water, shelter, or a combination of all three. While they usually build nests outdoors in the ground, they might also nest indoors wherever there is access to food and water.
Your home might be a welcome attraction to ants, so it’s important to find out what attracts ants and eliminate them right away to prevent a full-blown infestation.
Common Ants in Austin, Texas
There are over 250 species of ants throughout Texas. We’ve gathered a list of the most common ants that can be found in Austin, TX.
Harmful Ants in Austin
There are a few harmful ants in Austin:
Acrobat Ants
They bite when threatened but don’t sting the offender, despite having a stinger.
Carpenter Ants
They have a destructive nature and chew through wood in your home, causing substantial property damage.
Fire Ants
These ants bite and inflict painful stings by injecting venom, causing a burning sensation.
Other Common Ants
These common ants won’t cause harm but often invade homes.
Argentine Ants
This invasive species reproduce through mating with multiple queens. Accordingly, they can explode in numbers.
Black Crazy Ants
These ants most commonly dwell indoors. They derive their name from their quick unpredictable movements.
Harvester Ants
These ants collect seeds as their main food sources and can destroy your lawn.
Odorous House Ants
These ants derive their name from the foul, rotten coconut-like odor they emit when crushed.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants typically live indoors and have large colonies, making them difficult to exterminate.
Rover Ants
These tiny ants do not pose any danger but are a nuisance and difficult to remove.
Tawny Crazy Ants
The tawny crazy ant, also known as the raspberry crazy ant, is a destructive species that rapidly colonize and is often unresponsive to baits.
What Attracts Ants to Austin Homes
Food, water, and shelter are all ants need to invade and nest in your home.
Sugar
Sugary foods and drinks are the prime attractants for ants. Ants prefer foods that are rich in carbohydrates for energy. Leftover foods, crumbs, juice spills, and honey are some of the most common sources of sugar for ants.
Water
Just like all living organisms, ants need water to survive. Plumbing leaks, potted indoor plants, pet water bowls, and areas with excess humidity are some typical water sources for ants.
Shelter
Ants might also enter your home searching for shelter. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as spaces behind and inside walls, are prime nesting spots.
Tips for Effective Ant Prevention
Ants can be difficult to eliminate once they establish a colony. The best way to deal with them is through prevention. The following are some tips to protect your home from ants:
- Dispose of leftovers and old food
- Properly store food in airtight containers
- Regularly clean your kitchen, and do a deep clean weekly
- Wipe up spills and clean crumbs immediately
- Scrub your counters with vinegar or baking soda
- Sweep and vacuum the floor daily
- Empty your garbage and recycling bins regularly
- Keep all trash cans covered with a tight-fitting lid
- Fix leaky faucets and get rid of any standing water
- Install window and door screens
- Seal potential entry points like exterior cracks and crevices using silicone caulk or mulch
Get Rid of Ants in Your Austin Home Today!
Often, DIY approaches don’t work, so it is crucial to contact professional exterminators to eliminate the ant infestation. Stampede Pest Control delivers effective pest control for homes in Austin, TX. Our team of pest control professionals offers a wide range of pest control services that are guaranteed to work. We also offer organic pest control and pet and family-safe chemicals. With more than 10 years of experience in the business, you can rest assured that we’ll get rid of your pest problem for good.
Contact us now for effective, reliable, and lasting services!