If you’re a Sacramento, California property owner, you’ll probably deal with ants around your property at some point or another. There are many different species of ants in the area, but some of the most common are sugar ants. This is actually a commonly used term for a collection of different varieties of tiny ants.
While these ants can vary in appearance, they are all attracted to sugary foods and sweets. Although, they also aren’t picky and will eat many other items, including proteins, fats, and even bee pollen. They take the food they find and carry it back to their nests.
Some of the most common sugar ants in California include pavement ants, which are small blackish ants usually found around sidewalks, and Pharaoh ants, which are a yellow or light brown color with darker thoraxes. They are also relatively small, at less than a tenth of an inch long.
In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about sugar ants and how you can remove them from your property.
Are Sugar Ants Dangerous?
Most sugar ants, including the pavement ant, aren’t dangerous and are just considered nuisance pests. However, they can still be invasive and hard to eradicate.
But, there is one major exception to this. The Pharaoh ant, which is rather prevalent in the area, can transmit and carry many different pathogens and diseases. Because of this, they are a health risk to have around, and anything they come into contact with will need to be disinfected or thrown out.
One disconcerting fact about Pharaoh ants is that they commonly invade hospitals and healthcare facilities where they will attempt to get into IVs and even the wounds of patients.
The Safest Way To Remove Pharaoh Ants And Other Sugar Ants
If you’ve seen any sugar ants, or any ant species at all, around your Sacramento property, the easiest way to get rid of them is with assistance from Neighborly Pest Management.
We have over 40 years of experience providing ant control services, and we will eradicate these invasive species in no time. Then, with our ongoing plans, we will ensure that ants stay away from good. All you have to do is give us a call to learn more or schedule your free inspection, or find out about our customizable plans.
Some Sugar Ant Prevention Tips
While professional pest control is the best way to deal with sugar ants, it’s also a good idea to take steps on your own to deter ants. You can do this by removing or reducing the factors that attract them, such as food crumbs.
Here are some of the most effective sugar and prevention measures:
- Make sure to clean up food and drink spills right away. Also, regularly sweep, mop, and keep kitchens cleaned as food sources are the main reason these ants come around.
- Cover all trash cans with lids as the smell can draw in sugar ants.
- To make it harder for these ants to get inside, repair broken screens and fill holes in the walls and foundation. Also, install weather stripping and door sweeps around exterior facing windows and doors.
- Store any pet food indoors and in an airtight container.
- Regularly clean out pantries, cupboards, and appliances.
And remember, if ants or other pests get past your defenses, the experts at Neighborly Pest Management are standing by ready to help.