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Ants
Scientific Family: Formicidae
In Savannah, Georgia, several ant species are known to invade homes:
Pharaoh Ants: These tiny ants, light yellow to reddish-brown in color, are notorious for establishing large indoor colonies, especially in warm and humid environments. They often nest in wall voids, under floors, and inside electrical outlets. Pharaoh ants are attracted to various foods, including sweets, greasy items, and proteins, posing a risk to human health by potentially spreading bacteria and pathogens.
Red Imported Fire Ants: Recognizable by their reddish-brown to reddish-black coloration, these ants build distinctive dome-shaped mounds of loose soil, often with multiple openings. They prefer sunny, open spaces like lawns and fields but can invade homes, especially during adverse weather conditions. Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, which can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Carpenter Ants: Among the largest ant species in Georgia, carpenter ants are typically black or reddish-black. They do not consume wood but excavate it to create nests, potentially causing structural damage to homes. They are commonly found in damp or decaying wood, such as tree stumps, logs, and structural lumber, and often nest in areas with high moisture content like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
Argentine Ants: Light to dark brown and ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length, Argentine ants form massive colonies that can become quite a nuisance when they nest near foundation walls and find entry points into homes. These omnivorous ants feed on a wide variety of foods and are capable of finding food sources inside homes.
Odorous House Ants: Small ants that emit a rotten coconut-like odor when crushed. They are attracted to sugary foods and can establish multiple nests within a home, making them persistent invaders.
To request a free pest inspection, contact Preferred Pest Control today.