Ants

What are ants?

Ants are common insects in Omaha, NE that are related closely to other common insects like bees and wasps. Ants are identified by a three-segmented body, narrow waist, and short antennae. Other physical features include chewing mouthparts, some have stingers extending from the abdomen, and reproductive members have wings. Ants also have two stomachs, one for digesting their food and one to carry food back to the nest.

Ants are omnivores and feed on seeds, other small insects, honeydew, sweet liquids, and proteins. These insects can eat many of the same foods we do, which is why they are so common in our yards and homes.

Ants are those annoying insects that we regularly find crawling around our Nebraska yards and, often, our kitchens. Some of the most regular visitors to Nebraska properties are pavement ants, Pharaoh ants, and odorous house ants. 

Are ants dangerous?

Ants can be dangerous, but most species are considered nuisance pests. Even though most people think of ants only as a nuisance to deal with, you should never ignore their presence. Ants carry pathogens and parasites on their bodies that they pick up as they travel. Inside your home, ants contaminate our food sources, food prep areas, and other surfaces with bacteria and other things that can make us ill.

Pharaoh ants are an example of a species living in our area that are more than a nuisance. Pharaoh ants have adapted to living mainly inside, taking advantage of the warm nesting spots our homes and businesses provide. They have become a particular issue inside hospitals and other healthcare facilities due to their high moisture needs. They get into patient eyes, mouths, and IV bags seeking moisture. They are also responsible for spreading things like salmonella and streptococcus.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Some ants like Pharaoh ants are in our homes because they have learned the best way to survive is by nesting near hot water pipes and equipment that provides them with the warm, humid environment they prefer. Other ants find a way into our yards while foraging for food or because it offers them a suitable nesting spot.

Ants are on the constant watch for reliable food sources to feed their large colonies. Things like open trash cans or an overgrown garden are like hitting the jackpot for an ant. After laying down a pheromone trail to alert the other colony members, the ants will continue returning to the food source until it is gone.

Where will I find ants?

Most ants create a central nest outside, but if weather or lack of food dictates, they will move inside to nest. Outside, ants usually place their nests in the ground under leaf litter, fallen trees, trees stumps, or woodpiles.

• Pavement ants like to nest in the soil next to the foundations, sidewalks, pavement, or under cement slabs. Indoors, pavement ants nest in masonry walls, cement basement walls, and wall voids near water pipes.
• Pharaoh ants typically nest indoors, in warm, humid areas behind baseboards, wall voids, and under floors.
• Odorous house ants have high moisture needs; when it becomes too hot or dry outside, they migrate indoors. Wall voids near water pipes, air conditioners, heating units, and sinks are favorite nesting spots for odorous house ants.

How do I get rid of ants?

Beeline Pest Control is the best choice to eliminate ants from your Omaha home or business. Our trained and experienced technicians will work closely with you to solve your home or business ant problem. We work around your schedule, not the other way around! 

Our professionals will rid your property of ants, and other household pests through detailed inspections, interior and exterior treatments, and ongoing (quarterly) pest control solutions. For added peace of mind, know that if pests come back between regularly scheduled visits, so do we! To learn more about our ant control services, or to receive a free quote, give Beeline Pest Control a call today!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

Prevent ants from becoming a big problem in your Omaha, Nebraska area yard or home using the following prevention tips:

• Take the time to regularly and thoroughly inspect the outside of your house. Repair any cracks or openings that may allow ants to trail into your home.
• Limit the moisture around your house that many ants are looking for by using dehumidifiers, ventilating crawl spaces, and repairing leaking pipes.
• Keep lids on trash cans, dispose of uneaten pet food, maintain gardens, and keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris to stop ants from finding reliable food sources on your property.
• Remove sources of sugar, grease, and proteins that ants are looking for in your home by keeping kitchen areas clean and not allowing food to be consumed throughout your home. 

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.