What kind of Ants do I have and what can I do about them?
Beneath the ground of Sonoma County lies a series of communities of remarkable complexity – Ants!. These small creatures are huge parts of our local region’s ecosystems, contributing to our soil health, plant growth, and nutrient breakdowns. With habitats spanning from our home and businesses to our local vineyards, parks and yards, Sonoma County showcases a range of ant species. Each comes with unique behaviors and roles that make some more present in our lives than others. In this article, we will take a look at what ant species we have in the Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Windsor and other areas of Sonoma county, and what you and us at Shoo Fly Pest Control can do about them!
Locally we have a few types of ants that are routinely the source of customer calls and questions. These ants are notorious for getting into our food and waste, and can be a major headache to get rid of. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help reduce them in your home or office. Shoo Fly Pest Control can also help with preventative services to stop the ants before they even show up! We can also provide one time services to stop an infestation in its tracks.
Here is a list of some of the most common ants we will see locally in Sonoma County:
- The Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) – These common ants are some of the most common throughout California and especially Sonoma County. With its remarkable adaptability, this invasive ant has disrupted native ecosystems, often forming massive colonies that outcompete other ant species. The brown colors and heavily organized trails are strong signals for these ants. The Argentine Ant display strong cooperative behavior, enabling them to establish large networks and nests. Their colonies can become massive, even forming what are called “super colonies” containing millions of individuals covering miles of territory. Depending on the season there is strong attraction to sugary foods or protein rich foods.
- The Odorous House Ant (sugar ant) (Tapinoma sessile) – This is another common and adaptable ant species found in various environments, including Sonoma County and especially in the North Santa Rosa, Windsor and Healdsburg areas. These ants differ from Argentine ants with their sleek dark black bodies, and variations in the size of the workers. When crushed these ants give off a distinct smell of decaying coconut. With larger ant colonies, you can smell this if you are even within a few feet of the nest! These ants are opportunistic feeders with a preference for sugary substances and a wide range of other foods. Nesting near moisture sources, they can invade homes in search of food. This species can be especially difficult to control due to their habit of “budding” nests. This means that if the ants detect danger to their colony they will often split it into multiple smaller colonies. From a pest control standpoint, this makes them very difficult to effectively control and they require special products and techniques.
- Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) – These are remarkable insects with a habit of chewing through wood to create elaborate nests. Unlike termites, they don’t actually eat the wood but rather build their homes (galleries) within it. Regardless, they can pose a threat to the structure if left untreated! Carpenter ants come in a mix of sizes, from minor to major workers each with different roles in the colony. While their presence in nature is important for our ecosystem in Sonoma County, professional control from Shoo Fly Pest Control is necessary when their activities invade our homes or businesses to make sure that structures are not compromised.
There are more than just these ants found locally. However, these are the most common pests found in structures in the Santa Rosa area. Fortunately there are several things you can do to help prevent ants! Here are a few good tips from Shoo Fly Pest Control:
- Sanitation: Keep your living spaces clean and free of food crumbs and spills. Store food in airtight containers and clean up pet food promptly. Even small crumbs that get missed could lead to potential problems. It is important to be thorough!
- Eliminate Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, windows, and doors to prevent ants from entering your home.
- Identification: Identify the ant species and their nesting sites. Different species may require different treatment approaches. (Feel free to call Shoo Fly Pest Control for help with this!)
When these techniques are not enough, Shoo Fly Pest Control can help with a comprehensive and professional approach to ant control. We use the latest techniques and products to solve your ant problem quickly and permanently. Our work is fully guaranteed and we will keep working until you are satisfied. We specialize in control for the Sonoma County area, and especially with the commonly found odorous house ants found in Windsor, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa. Feel free to contact us at any time for some professional advice or to schedule a free inspection of your home
