Ants are perhaps the most common pest in Turks & Caicos. They can be encountered just about everywhere, and naturally, they make their way into homes. There are thousands of unique species of ants in the world, and many call the islands home. While some are relatively harmless, others can be aggressive pests that cause stress and discomfort at home.
If you’ve got ants in Turks & Caicos, here’s what you need to know about how these tiny pests get into your home.
Types Of Ants In Turks & Caicos
The tropical climate of Turks & Caicos makes an ideal habitat for many insects and ants are no exception. Here are a few common species likely to be found on your property.
Fire Ants – These ants are known for their aggression and painful bite. Along with a burning bite, these ants earn their name from their fiery red coloration. They make their nests outdoors, which can be identified by large mounds of dirt at the entrances. Fire ants prefer to live outside but will come indoors in search of food or water.
Carpenter Ants – This species of ants are named for their love of moist, rotting wood. They can measure between ¼ and ½ inch in length, making them the largest species found in North America. Carpenter ants are typically black but can also have a combination of red, brown, and black coloration.
Pharaoh Ants - Pharaoh ants are known for their small size, only measuring 1/32 to 1/16 inch on average. These ants have a yellow coloration with a brown abdomen. They are known to infest homes in search of food and are resistant to store-bought pesticides.
Pavement Ants – As their name suggests, pavement ants can be found living beneath sidewalks and paved driveways. They average about ¼ inch in length and have a black coloration. Pavement ants have the ability to sting but are typically not aggressive.
How Ants Get Indoors
Like most pests that find their way into your home, ants come indoors in search of food and water. Ants are social insects that rely on cooperation to obtain food for their entire colony. And so when a scouting ant finds a food source, hundreds or even thousands of worker ants can quickly march to the scene to take food back home.
Cracks in foundation, gaps around pipes, open windows, and faulty weather stripping or door sweeps can all give ants an entrance into your home. Thanks to their small size and determined nature, even the smallest opening can give ants an opportunity to come indoors.
How To Keep Ants Out Of Your Home
Ants are difficult pests to prevent. But you can reduce the factors that attract them and defend your home from infestation:
- Clean up – Make sure that surfaces, where you eat and prepare food, are cleaned regularly and all food is stored securely. Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight.
- Seal entrances - Locate areas where ants can enter your home, especially cracks in your foundation and around pipes. Seal openings with caulk. Also, consider replacing faulty weather stripping that ants can crawl under.
- Dispose of trash properly – Don’t let garbage accumulate on your property. Dispose of trash in a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid. If possible, keep garbage bins away from the property.
- Look out for scouts – One ant is a sign of many more. If you see a scout ant, eliminate it immediately and keep your guard up and follow the prior tips to fend off the impending infestation.
If you find ants getting into your home in Turks & Caicos, get in touch with the professionals at Parkway Pest Services. Our professional technicians will get rid of troublesome ants in your home and prevent ants from coming back. Contact us today for your free quote.