The Science Of Ant Control: Understanding Ant Behavior To Prevent And Control In Marietta

If you've lived in Marietta for any amount of time, you know just how frustrating local ant infestations can be. These little pests can have a big impact on our yards and leave us with painful stings, property damage, and even negative health effects. 

Unfortunately, ant populations are only growing in Marietta backyards. Scientists believe there are 2.5 million ants for every one person on Earth, which means there are potentially hundreds of millions of ants in our city– and we can't afford to let them run amok.

You've likely tried many types of ant control on your own, including less-than-effective internet myths like boiling water, essential oil, or baking soda poured over ant hills. However, you've probably noticed these solutions do next to nothing when it comes to actual prevention or removal. The ants keep marching two by two, and your home remains at risk for serious effects.

Contrary to what over-the-counter products would tell you, ant control is more than just applying products, traps, or baits. It's actually about understanding pest biology and their preferred methods of nesting, eating, and seeking new habitats. By carefully assessing the nature of ants and understanding their true intentions, it's easier to build a successful control strategy and prevent them from returning in the future.

This guide explores the science of ant control in Marietta so you can make informed decisions about management in your yard. It also uncovers the secrets of ant behavior and how you can use strategic prevention steps to safeguard your home. Curious about how professional ant control uses science to control infestations? We walk through our process at ProCare Pest Services so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Let's start with the most foundational aspect of understanding ants.

Types Of Ants: Understanding Common Ant Species

Marietta is home to different types of ants, many of which pose little threat to humans. However, this article focuses on the species that cause problems for human homes, including pharaoh ants, fire ants, Argentine ants, crazy ants, and thief ants.

Let's take a closer look:

Pharaoh ants: Sometimes referred to as sugar ants, pharaoh ants are some of the most dangerous ants you can find in your home. Not only do they contaminate food by freely feeding on your leftovers, but they can also spread 12 medically significant illnesses such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Many people believe pharaoh ants to be the toughest ant invaders in the world, requiring professional assistance and support from a company like ProCare Pest Services to remove them.

Fire ants: Even if you couldn't identify a fire ant by sight, you would certainly recognize the pain of their stings! These dull-red insects carry a potent venom and may sting unlucky passersby walking too close to their nests. Some people may also have allergic reactions to their stings, which may require an epinephrine injection or immediate medical attention.

Argentine ants: Argentine ants are mostly considered nuisance pests, which means they don't usually cause extreme amounts of damage to your home. They do, however, build large supercolonies and make it difficult for native ant species to continue living in your yard. They may also transport diseases like dysentery to food prep surfaces, which puts the health of you and your loved ones at risk.

Crazy ants: Small and dark brown to black. These ants are known (and named) for their erratic movements. They are a nuisance species who have the potential to contaminate food prep surfaces. 

Thief Ants: Another pale yellow to brown ant, thief ants are very small and often nest near or within other ants' nests. They steal food, larvae, and pupae. Like crazy ants, they are a nuisance species that can spread contamination when they nest inside your home. 

Now, with a better understanding of the types of ants in Marietta, let's dig a little deeper into the science of ant behavior.

Ant Behavior: How They Find Their Way Inside