Common Types of Ants Found in Cambridge Homes
Cambridge residents are in trouble, facing an ant infestation as soon as the summer season draws in. These tiny invaders move into a home in search of food and water and create a huge nuisance by invading every corner. They might look harmless but contaminate food, which can be risky for human health. Identifying the common types of ants is essential because each species comes with a different approach to its elimination. Some move indoors in search of food, and some try to build nests under floors or in walls. But the good news is that with the right approach and quick measures, it is easy to eliminate them very easily.
Most Common Types of Ants Found in Cambridge Homes
Below, we will have a detailed discussion about common types of ants found in Cambridge homes, along with their nesting habits and what attracts them.
1. Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
Physical Appearance and Nesting Habits
Black garden ants are small and dark brown to black in colour and appearance. One may often come across these ants in gardens, on pavements, and on walls. They nest either outside, in soil, under rocks or near foundations. Thus, they enter a home in search of food during the warm months through small openings such as door frames and gaps in windows.
Common Indoor Major Attractants
Being one of the most common types of ants in homes, they are very attracted to sugary materials. Stains of soft drinks, caramel crumbs, honey and fruit are powerful attractants for them. After getting closer to a food source, they trail a scent so that the rest will follow them. This is the reason that you will notice a long ant trail across the floors or the kitchen countertops. Keeping proper cleanliness in the kitchen area is the best approach for quick ant control.
Seasonal Activity
The peak times of black garden ants can be found in late spring and summer. This is the time when they grow their colonies, and worker ants also more frequently enter indoors. You might come across the so-called flying ants, that is, the mating period of the species, in July or August. These are flying swarms that cause panic among the homeowners, but they do not last long.
2. Pharaoh Ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
Identification Characteristics
The pharaoh ant is only 2mm in length and yellow/light brown, with a darker abdomen. It is tiny, which enables it to draw indoors through small cracks and stay invisible. Hence, it is among the most common types of ants and does not need much space to start a nest.
Hidden Indoor Colonies or Nests
Unlike other ants, pharaoh ants do not nest outside. They live in big colonies in warm structures, particularly behind the walls, baseboards, and appliances. Meanwhile, they are difficult to eliminate using regular sprays or bait since they can split into more than one colony in case they are disturbed.
Common Health Risks
Pharaoh ants are a health hazard to houses and hospitals. They also transmit and harbour dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and Streptococcus. Since they are transmitted in drains and contaminated surfaces, they can cause germ transmission to food and clean surfaces. As soon as you notice their huge population, it is necessary to hire professional services from ant control Cambridge.
3. Ghost Ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
Body Characteristics and Appearance
Ghost ants get this name because of their translucent legs and pale abdomen. They are tiny, just up to approximately 1.5mm in length. Their heads are dark, which makes it hard to notice them easily at first. They are small and can get into cabinets, containers and covered food packages very easily.
Invading the Space of Bathrooms and Kitchens
These ants are mainly common indoors in humid places such as the kitchen and bathroom. They get attracted to sweets as well as proteins. Plus, they can usually be located close to sinks, dishwashers or pet food bowls. They move in large groups; thus, infestations may develop rapidly unless taken care of early.
Capable of Large Colony Fragmentation
These common types of ants are multi-queens, where the colony separates when disturbances are encountered. When you attempt to spray them away or evict their nest without a sufficient strategy, the colony can break up into smaller units and develop again. This is what makes it particularly difficult to get rid of them without professional pest control Cambridge.
4. Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile)
Aggressive, Quick Spreading Colony
Argentine ants are highly aggressive and displace other native ant species. They work together in large networks known as supercolonies. Unlike most ants, they don't fight among different nests within their kind, allowing them to spread fast and dominate new areas.
Ready to Invade in Large Numbers
These ants don’t come alone. When they invade a property, they generally do this in numbers. They often enter homes in search of moisture and food, building trails along walls, pipes, and garden edges. This mass movement can be challenging to manage without strategic treatment.
Common in Warm, Humid Microclimates
The Argentine ants thrive in wetter conditions. This is the reason why homes with poor drainage or high levels of humidity inside are highly susceptible. They can enter indoors through possible entry points to start nesting in basements, laundry rooms and kitchens. Maintaining the house dry and sealing any entry holes will prevent possible infestation.
FAQs: Common Questions People Often Ask
1. What is the fastest way to get rid of ants at home?
To quickly get rid of ants, make sure you seal all possible entry points. A combination of baiting and cleaning can also bring long-term and effective results.
2. Is vinegar the best solution to repel ants permanently?
Vinegar helps to disrupt the ant scent trails, but it never eliminates the nest. For a permanent elimination, hiring professional services can only work best.
3. How can you identify ant infestations in your home?
Without close inspection, it is impossible to identify the ant species. Behaviour, colour and size often bring clues, but professional assessment is always critical.
4. How long does it take to complete the entire treatment process?
Within 24 hours, the complete eradication of ant colonies is possible. But according to species, it can be for either a few days or even for a few weeks.
Say Goodbye to Unwanted Ants in an Eco-Friendly Way
Are ants trying to invade your private space? If yes, then why worry when ECO Pest Control is right here to deliver you with the best solutions for the long term? Yes, we specialize in providing eco-friendly treatments, ensuring the safety of your family, pets and environment. Whether it is for the indoor space of your home or the outdoor pavements, we deal with all kinds of property areas to pinpoint the ants invading any corner. Hire our professional services now and make your home an ant-free, peaceful space.
