Pharaoh ants in New Haven are a common sight, and they can be a real nuisance if you're not prepared for them. These tiny ants can get into your food, damage your property, and even cause structural damage to your home. Learn everything you need to know about Pharaoh ants and how to get rid of them, including when to get help from an expert in New Haven pest control like Connecticut Pest Elimination, LLC.
Where Do Pharaoh Ants Get Their Name?
Pharaoh ants are thought to be native to Africa, and got their name from a mistaken belief that they were one of the famous Biblical plagues in Egypt. They've been transported all over the world by humans, and are thought to have come to North America sometime in the 1800s. This is how they ended up in New Haven.
They're a small ant, only about ⅛ of an inch long, with a light brown color and a segmented body. Pharaoh ants have two nodes on their waist where their wings attach, which is one easy way to tell them apart from other types of ants. Pharaoh ants are also known for their fast movements. If you see an ant running around quickly, it's probably a Pharaoh ant.
How To Tell If Pharaoh Ants Are On Your Property
One way to tell if you have Pharaoh ants on your property is to look for their nests. Pharaoh ants typically nest outdoors in the soil, but they will also build nests indoors if they can find a suitable location. These indoor nests are often found in wall voids, behind baseboards, or in other dark, hidden areas. Since nests can be hard to spot, the best way to tell if you have Pharaoh ants is by actually spotting one of them foraging for food.
What Attracts Pharaoh Ants?
If you want to learn how to keep these pests away from your yard, it's important to know what attracts them in the first place. Here are a few things that attract Pharaoh ants:
- Food: If you have food out in the open, or even crumbs on the floor, Pharaoh ants will be attracted to it. They're also attracted to sweets, so if you have sugar around your home, they'll be drawn to it.
- Moisture. These ants need water to survive, so if there's a source of moisture on your property, Pharaoh ants won't be far behind. This could be something as simple as a dripping faucet or a leaky pipe.
- Warmth. If it's warm inside your home, they'll want to come in and nest there. In the winter, they'll be drawn to heat sources like radiators and fireplaces.
Now that you know what attracts pharaoh ants, you can take steps to keep them away from your home.
How To Keep Pharaoh Ants Away From Your Yard
To prevent a Pharaoh ant infestation in your yard, first look to remove the factors that would draw them there in the first place. Ensure you don't leave food sources outside, such as pet food, open trash cans, or even fallen fruit. Rectify all moisture issues, making sure gutters drain far from your foundation and low-lying areas that collect water are filled in.
If you have a serious problem with Pharaoh ants in your home, it's best to call in the experts in New Haven pest control at Connecticut Pest Elimination, LLC. We have the experience necessary to quickly and effectively control pharaoh ants on your property, so you can go back to enjoying your yard without worrying about these pesky pests. Give us a call today and get started on our effective home pest control and commercial pest control services.