Central Florida has a lot to offer. Short drives to beaches, parks, nature trails, and amusement parks. However, there’s a downside to living here too. And that downside is the legion of bugs that call our sunny shores home. One of the worst groups of pests is the humble ants. So let’s talk about Central Florida ant control and some of the ants you’ll run into down here.
Central Florida Ant Control: What ants are commonly found in Tampa?
Down here in the Sunshine State, we’re home to many, many species of insects and ants. But there are really a few you’ll find commonly going into homes and businesses. Let’s start with one of the most dangerous and destructive, the fire ant. The fire ant is a common sound around the Southern and Eastern United States. But did you know they’re not actually from here?
The Red Imported fire ant first reached the south around the 1930s. They probably hitched a ride on a ship with an infestation of the ants. However, the ecosystems of South America are tropical and highly competitive. So when the ants arrived at our shores with no natural enemies or predators, it started to take over. Their aggression and the massive size of their colonies made it so that nothing could really stop them. And now they’re moving west, being found as far as Texas and headed into southern California.
Fire ants, particularly the red imported fire ant, are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, making them a significant threat to both humans and animals.
One of the primary dangers of fire ants is their venomous sting. When disturbed, fire ants swarm and attack in large numbers, injecting venom that causes intense pain, itching, and swelling. For some individuals, especially those allergic to the venom, stings can lead to severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Not only that, but their tunnels are massive and sprawling, meaning that multiple houses on the same block can share an infestation at once. This is an ant infestation that needs treatment as soon as possible if you think you have one.
Ghost ants
Ghost ants are a significant pest in Florida, known for their small size, distinctive appearance, and ability to establish new colonies quickly. They thrive in the warm, humid climate of Florida and are commonly found in homes, gardens, and other outdoor areas. While they do not pose a direct structural threat, their presence can be a significant nuisance, and they can disrupt local ecosystems. Effective control and prevention strategies are essential to manage ghost ant populations and mitigate their impact on homes and gardens.
While ghost ants do not pose a direct structural threat to buildings, their presence can be a significant nuisance. They can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to hygiene concerns. In gardens, ghost ants can protect honeydew-producing insects from predators, leading to increased populations of these pests and potential damage to plants.
Ghost ants are an invasive species and can disrupt local ecosystems. They compete with native ant species for resources, often leading to a decline in native ant populations. This disruption can have cascading effects on the ecosystem, as ants play crucial roles in soil aeration, seed dispersal, and as a food source for other animals. Additionally, ghost ants can prey on a variety of small animals, including insects, amphibians, and reptiles, further impacting biodiversity.
And when in the home, these ants are a significant infestation problem. In wall voids, ghost ants will create multiple super colonies of thousands of workers and multiple queens. This is a species that needs a good understanding of Central Florida Ant Control to deal with.
carpenter ants
Florida carpenter ants are a significant pest in the southeastern United States, known for their large size and distinctive appearance. Their nesting habits can cause structural damage to buildings, particularly those with moisture issues. Florida carpenter ants are primarily nocturnal, foraging for food at night. They are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of substances, including sweets, proteins, and fats. They are particularly attracted to honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids and other sap-sucking insects. This diet often leads them to forage in kitchens and other areas where food is stored.
While Florida carpenter ants do not consume wood like termites, their nesting habits can still cause significant structural damage. They excavate wood to create galleries for their nests, which can weaken the structural integrity of buildings over time. This is particularly problematic in homes with existing moisture issues, as the ants are attracted to damp, decaying wood.
These ants are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and urban areas. They prefer nesting in moist, decaying wood, which makes them common in areas with high humidity and water-damaged structures. Unlike other carpenter ants that excavate sound wood, Florida carpenter ants typically nest in pre-existing cavities or soft, rotting wood.
Florida carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in the region. Workers typically measure between 6.35 and 12.7 millimeters in length, while queens can reach up to 25.4 millimeters. They exhibit a bicolored appearance, with a reddish-brown to red head and thorax and a black abdomen.
Central Florida Ant Control: Conclusion
So as you can see, ants are a serious issue in Florida. Carpenter ants can threaten your home, fire ants can threaten your health, and ghost ants can threaten your sanity with just how hard it is to shake them! And of course, there are steps you can take to reduce their numbers in and around the home. Things like cleaning, exclusion, and lawn care.
However, once you have an actual infestation, it will be very difficult for an untrained person to deal with. Instead, visit our website at insectfree.com. Once there, you can fill out the pop up on the home page or call the listed number. Let Earth’s Best Pest Control show you why we’ve been in service in Central Florida for three decades!
