Ant Exterminator
Warm temperatures year-round and sunny beaches make South Florida a popular travel and living destination, but not only for people. The tropical climate makes the region an optimal breeding ground for pests, especially ants. Without looking, most of us see these tiny creatures daily. They are such a part of our environment that we quite often find ourselves overlooking them, that is until they show up in our home or business. Many of the biggest nuisance species have made their way here by land and sea. Here are some of the world travelers that now call Broward County home.
- Red Imported Fire Ant: We start this list with the ant that poses the biggest threat physically to humans. This aggressive species can attack in hordes when threatened. They are the only ant that can latch on with a painful bite and then inflict a burning sting. The resulting blisters can cause extreme itching for up to 10 days. Their large nests or mounds can be inadvertently disturbed by our pets, creating a dangerous situation.
- Electric Ant: Their name reflects the sensation that sting victims report. They are also known as the Little Red Fire Ant but are quite different. Unlike the Red Imported, the electric can nest in trees, prefers the shade over the sun, and doesn’t build mounds. Their colonies can grow quickly because they have multiple queens.
- Tawny Crazy Ant: They can cover the ground by the millions, running around quickly and erratically and looking, well, crazy. They are very attracted to electronics and can cause short circuits. The jolt of electricity that kills them releases a pheromone alerting the others of a threat, which results in thousands more showing up.
- From this continent comes the Rover and Argentine ants as well.
Africa
Pharoah: These guys are at the top of the list of household pests most difficult to get rid of. They infest wherever food is found and do not nest outdoors and are fond of sweets, meats, and greasy foods. They can find their way in to just about anywhere and have even penetrated the security system of a DNA lab. On top of the destruction they cause to food sources, they can also transmit more than a dozen pathogens.
Ghost: It is theorized that they came from Africa and parts of Asia. They are commonly called sugar ants in Florida because they love to eat cakes, syrup, and other sugary foods. Outdoors, they protect another pest, aphids, because the ghost eats the sweet honeydew that aphids produce.
Australia
Big-Headed: On the positive side, the Big-Headed Ant has been taking over areas by getting rid of other species, like the red imported fire ant. However, they are so adaptive that they have earned a nomination as one of the top 100 worst invaders worldwide. They evolve quickly and grow larger as their enemies mount. They nest in lawns and look for disturbed soil but can also be found under concrete slabs, bricks, and walkways. Some theorize that their first recording was on the Island of Mauritius in the late 1700s.
On top of the jet setters, South Floridians also deal with many native ant species, like the Florida Carpenter and the Pyramid. Whether from home or abroad, All Nix Services can help control these pests in your home or business. We are Broward County’s top-rated exterminator and are highly trained to take care of your nuisance insect and wildlife needs.
Contact us today for a free estimate.