Texas, the land of many wonders, is also home to a variety of ant species. From the small red fire ant to the large carpenter ants, each type of ant poses its own unique challenge when trying to repel them from your home.
The most common types of ants found in Texas are little black ants, red imported fire ants, argentine ants, and of course, carpenter ants. Although they have separate physical characteristics, they all act similarly when it comes to infesting your homes.
Texas Ants and How to Repel Them
Living in Texas (or any other area with temperatures that reach the 90s) can be quite unbearable, especially if you’re constantly bogged down by an ant infestation.
While ant infestations can be an annoying nuisance, there are ways to repel them from your homes.
Little Black Ants
These small black ants are often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Typically 1-2mm long, the little black ants are typically found under logs, debris, and moist areas.
The type of ants you have in your home or business may vary depending on the “environment.” There are various factors contributing to this, but moisture is a major one.
To get rid of these little creatures, there are some natural remedies you can use, such as cinnamon or bay leaves.
Cinnamon or bay leaves mask the scent of food and make it difficult for the ants to find a suitable food source. Additionally, you can use baits or insecticides that contain boric acid or diatomaceous earth.
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA)
A type of fire ant, RIFA, are reddish-brown ants that are typically 1/8 of an inch long. In Texas, they are most often found in outdoor areas such as yards, parks, and gardens. They like to burrow into the soil and form large mounds.
One of the best ways to keep these fire ants away from your home is by using insecticide. Common insecticides such as permethrin or bifenthrin can be used to kill these ants.
Additionally, it is advisable to use baits containing hydramethylnon as this is specifically designed for RIFA infestations.
Argentine Ants
Although northern to Argentina, these ants can be found in many parts of Texas. They are typically dark brown to black and measure about 1/16” long. These ants will often enter homes through cracks and crevices, looking for food and water.
Mainly, Argentine ants can be repelled using various natural remedies, such as sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your home. Additionally, dish soap and vinegar are also known to be effective in keeping these ants away.
Water mixed with dish soap can be sprayed around your home, while vinegar can be used as a natural ant repellent. You can also spray the diluted dish soap mixture on trails and entrance ways to discourage ants from entering.
Carpenter Ants
Being the largest of the ant species in Texas, carpenter ants are typically 1/4” long and almost black in color.
They create tunnels and galleries in wood structures inside homes as well as outdoor areas such as porches, decks, trees, and stumps. They are called carpenter ants thanks to their ability to excavate wood structures which can lead to structural damage.
Although small, don’t underestimate these ants. The best way to keep these ants away is by using insecticides containing the active ingredient pyrethrin.
Bleach, Lysol, ant baits, and boric acid are also effective methods for controlling carpenter ant infestations. Additionally, sealing any cracks or crevices in your home can prevent these ants from entering your property.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re from Texas or elsewhere, ant infestations can be quite a nuisance. Although they all have separate physical characteristics, they all act similarly when it comes to infesting your homes.
They rummage through your food, leave a nasty trail of destruction, and can even cause structural damage to your property if not dealt with properly.
Thankfully, you don’t have to put up with the hassle of having ants in your home. With the right combination of natural remedies and insecticides, you can successfully repel and prevent these little creatures from intruding on your property.
Also, a bit of expertise from professional ant and pest control companies may be of help. Don’t be afraid to employ other means of controlling these pests if all else fails.
