The Best Way To Get Rid Of Ants On Your Reno Property

The basic ant has three discrete body parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Swarmers have wings for their mating flight. Ant eggs are just 0.5 mm long and ghost white in color. The larvae are also white and legless, and worker ants feed them. After several molts, the larvae become pupae and then mature ants. Ants range in size from 3 mm to one inch long and are usually brown, tan, red, or black. They live in large nests and forage for food and water, which can bring them into your home. Some species sting, and individuals allergic to ant stings can experience severe or even fatal reactions.

Here are the specific ants you might encounter in your house.

These ants are about 3 mm long and brown. They don’t sting or bite, but they form huge, multi-queen nests in the ground or inside wall voids. Because of the sheer size of their colonies, they are very difficult to eliminate. They prefer sweets and are often found in kitchens.

Acrobat ants are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and may be brown, yellowish-brown, red, or black. They have heart-shaped abdomens that end in a point. When threatened, they raise their abdomens over their bodies. Because they require moisture, finding them in your walls may indicate a leak. They feed on insects and honeydew produced by aphids and will protect aphids from predators.

These ants damage wood in homes. They are 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and may be red and black, brown, or entirely black. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood, often leaving only a thin outer shell intact, making them difficult to detect. They are attracted to moisture, so leaks are commonly associated with their nesting sites.

Nevada has two types of harvester ants. The California harvester ant is 5–6 mm long and red, while the western harvester ant grows up to 10 mm and is dark red. These ants primarily eat seeds and rarely enter homes, but they clear raised areas around their nests and can damage lawns. Their sting is a potent neurotoxin, causing sharp pain lasting 4–8 hours along with localized swelling and sweating.

Originally from Brazil, these ants have spread across much of the United States and have reached some areas of Nevada. They are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and reddish-brown. Red imported fire ants feed on nearly anything and deliver painful stings. Multiple stings or allergic reactions can be life-threatening. If discovered, they should be reported to the USDA for eradication.

These ants are 2.4–3.5 mm long and range from brown to black. They often nest near hot water pipes or in wall voids, though outdoor nesting is also common. They feed on dead insects, proteins, and sweets. When crushed, they emit a foul odor, which gives them their name.

Pavement ants are 3–4 mm long and blackish-brown, with lighter legs and antennae. They frequently invade kitchens in search of dead insects, sweets, proteins, and dry pet food. Though they can sting, they are typically docile.

Pharaoh ants are very small and yellow to red in color. When their nest is disturbed, they split into multiple colonies, making control extremely difficult. They commonly forage in kitchens for pet food, syrups, and grease.

These ants have red-brown heads and thoraxes with dark brown to black abdomens. Minor workers are about 1.6 mm long, while major workers can reach 5.8 mm. They have painful stings and nest in crawl spaces, wall voids, or under carpets. As omnivores, they forage for sweets, grease, and protein in kitchens and trash areas.

Thief ants resemble pharaoh ants in size and color. They invade other ant colonies to steal food. They prefer grease, fat, and protein and nest in small, hidden spaces, making them difficult to detect.

Velvety tree ants have a velvety texture, red thoraxes, and black heads and abdomens. They typically live in trees but may enter homes if branches touch the structure. They feed on dead insects and aphid honeydew. These ants can infest wood and will bite and inject venom if provoked.

Many ant species can carry E. coli, shigella, and salmonella, contaminating food-preparation areas. Pharaoh ants may also transmit staphylococcus, clostridium, and streptococcus. Even non-stinging ants can pose health risks when they invade your home.

Ant colonies often contain multiple queens and extensive nests hidden in wall voids or other inaccessible areas. While sprays may kill visible ants, they rarely eliminate the colony. Additionally, chemical sprays can be hazardous if misused. Effective ant control typically requires professional expertise.

Natura Pest Control can eliminate ants from your home using safe and effective natural products. Our technicians perform a free inspection using our Five Lap Model, examining the interior, foundation, and surrounding property to identify pest activity and entry points. After inspection, we develop a customized treatment plan and provide ongoing service to keep your home protected.

Ants are tiny and persistent, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of an infestation:

Even with these precautions, professional treatment provides the strongest protection. Combine preventative steps with regular service from Natura Pest Control to maintain an ant-free home. Contact us today to get started.