Types of Ants in Myrtle Beach
Ants may be small, but they play a significant role in maintaining our ecosystem. Myrtle Beach is home to various ant species with unique characteristics and behavior. Understanding these types of ants can help you identify them and take necessary measures to control their presence.
Common Types of Ants in Myrtle Beach
The most common types of ants in Myrtle Beach are pavement ants, fire ants, carpenter ants, and house ants. With a warm and humid climate, infestations are particularly likely here at the beach, so it’s important to know how to protect your home from each of these types of ants!
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small, dark brown ants commonly found nesting in cracks of pavement or concrete. They are known for their strong attraction to sugary substances and can be identified by their two-segmented antennae and parallel lines on their heads and thoraxes. While they are not harmful to humans, they can become a nuisance when they enter homes looking for food. To prevent infestations, keeping food properly stored and cleaning up any spills or crumbs promptly is important.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are red or black ants typically found in warm, sunny areas such as yards and parks. One way to identify fire ants is by their aggressive behavior - they will swarm and sting if their nest is disturbed. Additionally, their mounds are usually flat and have no visible entrance hole. It's important to be cautious around fire ants, as their stings can be painful and may even cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are larger than most other species and are usually black but can also be reddish-brown or yellow. The easiest way to identify carpenter ants is by size, ranging from ¼ inch to ¾ inch in length. They also have a distinctive shape, with a narrow waist and a rounded thorax. If you spot any of these characteristics in an ant crawling in your home, it's likely a carpenter ant, and you should take action to prevent further damage. Here are the signs of carpenter ant damage:
- Piles of sawdust-like material (known as frass)
- Small holes or tunnels in wooden structures
- Rustling or tapping noises coming from walls or ceilings
- Sagging or weakened wooden structures
- Presence of winged carpenter ants or discarded wings
House Ants
House ants, also known as sugar ants, are small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length, and are typically light brown or yellow in color. They are attracted to sweet foods and can often be found around sugar bowls, fruit bowls, or spilled soda. To identify them, look for their distinctive trail of ants moving in a line from their nest to the food source. Proper sanitation and keeping food in sealed containers can help prevent infestations.
How Many Types of Ants Are There?
There are more than 12,000 species of ants in the world! There are only around 800 here in the United States and even fewer in South Carolina. Ants play a huge role in ecosystems all around the world.
Getting Rid of an Ant Infestation
Are you tired of sharing your home with pesky ants? Well, fear not! Here are some simple steps to get rid of ant infestations:
- Keep your home clean and free of food debris.
- Seal up any cracks or openings where ants can enter.
- Use a natural deterrent such as citrus or vinegar to repel them.
- Consider using ant baits or traps to eliminate the colony.
Call Beach Pest Service for Ant Control
While there are methods you can use to deter ants in the short term, you need professional services for lasting relief. Some DIY methods can even make the problem worse! If you need ant control in Myrtle Beach, call Beach Pest Service! We offer comprehensive solutions that kick ants, and all pests, out for good. Get a free quote today.