Ant Control Services in Pinellas County, FL

How to Get Rid of Ants in Pinellas County, FL

Many homeowners in Pinellas County attempt to deal with ant infestations using over-the-counter products, such as sprays and baits. While these methods may seem convenient, they often fail to provide long-term results. Sprays may kill only the visible ants, while the colony continues to thrive. In some cases, using baits may even cause the colony to split, making the infestation worse.

The most effective way to get rid of ants is to enlist the help of pest control professionals. At All U Need Pest Control, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to the specific needs of your home and the species of ants you’re dealing with.

Our expert technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your home, considering factors such as the size of the infestation, the type of ants present, and any unique needs your household may have, including the presence of children or pets. We use targeted treatments that focus on eliminating the entire colony, not just the ants you see, ensuring that the infestation is dealt with at the source.

Types of Ants in Pinellas County, FL

There are several species of ants commonly found in Pinellas County, and each type requires a different approach to treatment. Knowing which species of ant you’re dealing with is essential for determining the most effective pest control strategy. Here’s a closer look at the most common types of ants found in Pinellas County:

Fire Ants

Fire ants are one of the most notorious ant species in Pinellas County. Known for their reddish-brown color and aggressive nature, fire ants build large mounds in lawns, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. If disturbed, fire ants will swarm out of their nest and attack, delivering painful stings that can cause welts and allergic reactions.

Fire ants typically remain outdoors, but during periods of heavy rain or drought, they may enter homes in search of food or water. Given the frequent summer thunderstorms in Pinellas County, fire ant activity tends to increase during the rainy season. If you suspect a fire ant infestation, it’s important to act quickly to prevent them from spreading further and posing a danger to your family and pets.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are another common species in Pinellas County. These large ants are typically black or a combination of black and red. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood but instead tunnel through it to build their nests. This can result in significant structural damage over time.

Carpenter ants are particularly drawn to damp or decaying wood, which is why they’re often found in areas like attics, basements, or around leaky windows and roofs. If you notice sawdust or wood shavings near wooden structures, it could be a sign of a carpenter ant infestation.

Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are small, light-brown ants that are known for forming massive colonies. These ants often create supercolonies, which can spread across multiple properties, making them difficult to eliminate without professional help. Argentine ants are typically found outdoors in soil, but they may enter homes during dry periods in search of food and water.

While Argentine ants are not aggressive toward humans, their large colony sizes can quickly become overwhelming for homeowners in Pinellas County. They often displace other ant species and can create a significant nuisance if not dealt with properly.

Ghost Ants

Ghost ants are tiny, fast-moving ants with translucent bodies and dark heads, making them difficult to spot. These ants are commonly found indoors, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, where they seek out sweet foods and moisture. Ghost ants can squeeze through even the smallest cracks and crevices, making it easy for them to invade homes.

While ghost ants don’t sting or pose any physical harm to humans, they can form large colonies that quickly become a nuisance. These ants typically nest in potted plants, behind baseboards, or in other hidden areas, making them difficult to eliminate without professional intervention.

Big-Headed Ants

Big-headed ants are named for their disproportionately large heads in comparison to their bodies. These reddish-brown ants can be mistaken for fire ants due to their similar appearance, but they are less aggressive and do not sting. Big-headed ants typically build nests outdoors in soil or under rocks, but they can also create tunnels near the foundations of homes.

In Pinellas County, where sandy soil is common, big-headed ants can be found creating colonies in lawns or garden beds. While they don’t pose a direct threat to humans, their tunneling can damage landscaping and make outdoor spaces unsightly.

Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants are small ants that get their name from their unique defensive behavior, in which they raise their heart-shaped abdomens above their heads when threatened. These ants are usually brown or black and are known for their stingers, although they rarely sting humans unless provoked.

Acrobat ants prefer to nest in damp, decaying wood, such as fallen trees or rotting logs. However, they may also enter homes if there is water damage or wood decay present. In Pinellas County, where moisture is prevalent due to frequent rainfall, acrobat ants can be a common issue for homeowners.

How to Prevent Ants in Pinellas County, FL

Preventing ants from entering your home in Pinellas County is essential, particularly because of the region’s humid climate and the increased likelihood of infestations. Taking proactive steps can help you avoid the frustration and potential damage caused by ants. Here are several strategies you can implement to protect your home from ant infestations.

Know Where Ants Like to Hang Out

Understanding the areas where ants are likely to gather is the first step toward prevention. Ants typically seek out places that offer easy access to food and moisture. In your Pinellas County home, the kitchen is a prime target, as it provides abundant food crumbs and spills. Bathrooms are also common hangout spots for ants because of the warmth and humidity.

In Pinellas County, with its frequent rainfall and high humidity, other areas of your home might also attract ants, including:

• Dining areas in your home, including the living room or dining room
• Inside hidden wall spaces
• Behind tiled surfaces on walls
• Close to air conditioning systems

Seal Potential Entry Points

Ants are capable of entering your home through even the tiniest cracks and gaps. Sealing off potential entry points is a crucial preventative measure. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk to seal these areas, and make sure that weather stripping around doors is intact.

Given the year-round warmth in Pinellas County, ants can remain active and attempt to enter your home during any season. It’s important to regularly check for new cracks or openings, especially after periods of heavy rainfall when soil may shift and expose new entry points.

Maintain a Clean Environment

A clean home is far less attractive to ants. Regularly wiping down countertops, sweeping floors, and cleaning up food spills promptly can help prevent ants from finding a food source in your home. Pay particular attention to areas like the kitchen and dining room where food is prepared and eaten.

During the rainy season in Pinellas County, ants may seek shelter indoors, making cleanliness even more crucial. Keep surfaces free of crumbs, vacuum regularly, and ensure food is stored properly. Be thorough when cleaning, including under appliances and in hard-to-reach corners where ants may be attracted to food debris.

Remove Access to Food

Ants are always on the lookout for food, so proper storage is key to keeping them out of your home. Store pantry items such as cereal, flour, and sugar in airtight containers. Fresh fruits should be kept in the refrigerator, and baked goods should be wrapped or put away immediately after cooling.

Pet food can also attract ants, particularly in a climate like Pinellas County’s, where ants are active year-round. Make sure to remove pet food bowls when your pets are done eating and clean up any food remnants. This can prevent ants from swarming pet feeding areas.

Eliminate Water Sources

Ants need water to survive, and they’re especially drawn to moisture-prone areas in your home. To deter ants, reduce standing water and excess moisture around your home. Fix leaky faucets, pipes, or drains as soon as possible, and ensure that your home’s ventilation system is functioning properly to reduce humidity in areas like the bathroom and kitchen.

In Pinellas County, where frequent rain and high humidity can create wet conditions around your home, it’s important to manage water sources effectively. Make sure your gutters are clean and that water is being directed away from your home’s foundation to prevent pooling that can attract ants.

Perform Yard Maintenance

Keeping your yard well-maintained can help reduce the chances of ants entering your home. Overgrown trees, shrubs, and bushes can act as bridges for ants, giving them easy access to your home. Regularly trimming vegetation and keeping it away from your house will limit ants’ access.

Additionally, removing debris like fallen leaves, dead branches, and mulch from your yard can help eliminate potential nesting sites for ants. In Pinellas County, where lush vegetation is common, it’s important to maintain your yard throughout the year to prevent ants from setting up colonies too close to your home.