Ant Control Services in Brandon, FL

How to Get Rid of Ants in Brandon, FL

Many homeowners try to handle ant infestations themselves by using store-bought sprays and baits. While these products may kill a few visible ants, they often fail to address the root of the infestation. Sprays typically only eliminate the ants you can see, leaving the colony intact. Baits may not always work, especially if the ants don’t take them. In some cases, ineffective treatments can even cause the colony to split, worsening the problem and spreading ants to other areas of the home.

To effectively eliminate ants in Brandon, it’s best to work with a professional pest control service. At All U Need Pest Control, we start by thoroughly inspecting your property to identify the species of ants and the extent of the infestation. From there, we develop a customized treatment plan that targets the source of the problem. Our treatments not only eliminate the ants you see but also eradicate the colony, preventing future infestations.

With our expert pest control services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your ant problem will be solved quickly and effectively. We use proven techniques to ensure long-lasting results, so you can enjoy a clean and ant-free home.

Types of Ants in Brandon, FL

Brandon is home to several different species of ants, each with unique behaviors and challenges. Identifying the type of ants that have invaded your home is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. Below are some of the most common ant species found in Brandon:

Fire Ants

Fire ants are among the most aggressive ant species in Florida. These reddish-brown ants build large mounds in outdoor areas such as lawns, gardens, and along sidewalks. When disturbed, fire ants can deliver painful stings that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Brandon’s hot, humid climate is ideal for fire ants, making them a frequent problem for homeowners. Due to their aggressive nature and potential for injury, it’s important to have fire ants professionally removed to ensure the safety of your family and pets.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species found in Brandon, with adult workers measuring between ¼ and ½ inch in length. These ants prefer to nest in damp or decaying wood, making homes with moisture issues particularly vulnerable to infestation.

While carpenter ants don’t sting, their tunneling can cause significant structural damage to your home over time. If you suspect carpenter ants, it’s essential to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage to your property.

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are small, light brown ants that form large colonies. These ants are aggressive toward other species and can invade homes in search of food and water. Argentine ants are particularly difficult to eliminate due to the size of their colonies and their ability to establish multiple nesting sites.

In Brandon, Argentine ants typically nest outdoors in soil but can easily enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps in doors and windows. Professional pest control services are often necessary to completely eradicate an Argentine ant infestation.

Ghost Ants

Ghost ants are tiny ants with dark heads and translucent bodies, making them difficult to spot. These ants are commonly found indoors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where they search for food and moisture.

The warm, humid climate in Brandon allows ghost ants to thrive year-round. Because they are so small, ghost ants can enter homes through the smallest cracks and crevices. Professional pest control is often needed to effectively eliminate ghost ants and prevent them from returning.

Big-Headed Ants

Big-headed ants are named for their disproportionately large heads. These ants typically nest in soil, often near the foundation of homes, under rocks, or in mulch. While they are not aggressive, big-headed ants can form large colonies that become a nuisance if left untreated.

In Brandon, the warm climate and sandy soil provide the perfect environment for big-headed ants to thrive. Professional pest control is often required to effectively eliminate these ants and prevent future infestations.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants get their name from their unique behavior of raising their heart-shaped abdomens above their heads when threatened. These ants are small and range in color from light brown to dark brown.

Acrobat ants typically nest in damp or decaying wood, making homes with moisture problems especially vulnerable to infestation. Although they have stingers, acrobat ants are generally not aggressive unless provoked.

How to Prevent Ants in Brandon, FL

Preventing ants from entering your home is the best way to avoid dealing with a full-blown infestation. Brandon’s warm, humid climate creates the ideal conditions for ants to thrive, so it’s important to take preventative measures. Below are some tips to help keep ants out of your home:

Know Where Ants Like to Hang Out

Certain areas of your home are more likely to attract ants than others. The kitchen is a prime target for ants, as it provides easy access to food and water. Even small crumbs or spills can attract ants, so it’s important to keep your kitchen clean.

Bathrooms are another common area where ants may gather, as they are drawn to moisture. You may also find ants in other parts of your home, including:

• Dining areas such as the living room or the dining room where your family eats
• In the voids inside walls
• Behind tiled walls
• Around the AC units

Seal Potential Entry Points

Ants can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent ants from finding their way inside.

In Brandon, where frequent rain and high humidity can cause materials to deteriorate over time, it’s important to regularly check for new entry points and seal them as needed.

Maintain a Clean Environment

One of the easiest ways to prevent ants from invading your home is to maintain a clean environment. Wipe down kitchen counters regularly, sweep up crumbs, and vacuum frequently, especially in areas where food is consumed. Clean up spills immediately to avoid attracting ants.

Proper food storage is also essential. Store dry goods like cereal, flour, and sugar in airtight containers to prevent ants from getting into them. Refrigerate ripe fruits to avoid attracting ants.

Remove Access to Food

Ants are always on the lookout for food, so eliminating their access to it is key to preventing infestations. After cooking or eating, store leftovers in airtight containers, wipe down jars or containers with sticky substances, and avoid leaving food out overnight.

If you have pets, make sure to clean up after their meals and store any leftover food in airtight containers to prevent ants from being drawn to the area.

Eliminate Water Sources

Ants need water to survive, so eliminating sources of moisture in and around your home can help prevent them from establishing colonies. Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, or appliances, and use a ventilation fan in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity levels.

In Brandon, where rain is frequent, it’s also important to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to prevent water from pooling near your home’s foundation.

Perform Yard Maintenance

Keeping your yard well-maintained can help prevent ants from making their way into your home. Trim trees, bushes, and other vegetation that are close to your house, as these can provide a pathway for ants to enter.

In Brandon, where outdoor living is common, it’s also important to keep your garden beds free of debris and to replace mulch or pine straw annually. You may also want to consider using landscaping materials like gravel or rocks, which are less likely to attract ants.