When it comes to ant control in Florida, you need to learn all about the four types of venomous ants: Fire ant, ghost ant, and white-footed ants. These ants are small - about 1/8 inches long - and will typically only come out during the rainy season, which occurs from June to September. Their main food source is honeydew from flowers and other plants. Like ghost ants, white-footed ants can easily enter damp areas and do not pose a threat to people.
Big-Headed Ants
If you've noticed a problem with Big-Headed Ants in your home, you're not alone. The problem can be very difficult to get rid of. In order to protect your home from Big-Headed Ants, you'll need to get rid of the ant colony at its source. You'll need to get rid of the colony in order to get rid of the ants forever. But if you can't get rid of them completely, you can use a chemical-based product from a Port Orange pest control company.
Although the BIG HEADED ANT can be dangerous, it's not a structural threat and won't bite you unless you disturb its nest. This species of ant nests in soil and leaves trails for others to follow. This ant species is a common invasive tramp that originally lived on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. They've been found in Florida as far south as Key West, although they've only been sighted in the state for a few decades.
White-footed ant
A venomous ant commonly found in Florida is the white-footed ants (WFA), which are approximately 1/8 inch long. They have brownish-black bodies and yellowish or white legs. In southern Florida, WFAs may be mistaken for the yellow-legged "crazy ants." Although they do not burrow, WFAs nest in organic debris such as palm fronds, in wall voids, attics, and crawl spaces.
The white-footed ant has only been in the United States for about 30 years, but it is already a major household pest in the state. It is a nuisance and will often establish a colony near your home. It is often difficult to control by DIY methods. Professional treatment is usually needed to eradicate the colony completely. If you suspect you have a white-footed ant infestation, get professional help to prevent future outbreaks.
The biggest-headed ants are not considered dangerous to humans, but they can be a nuisance. While the WFA and Argentine ants are the same size, the WFA lacks the characteristic vertical projection on the petiole. They are often confused with the larger and more aggressive Paratrechina bourbonica (Forel), which has the same stinging ability. They also leave dirt around windows and in kitchens and bathrooms.
Florida carpenter ant
Despite being venomous, some of Florida's ant species are not dangerous. For instance, the White Footed Ant does not carry venom, but they are known to infest moist and damp areas. The Fire Ant, which is known to be particularly aggressive, can be harmful to humans. The Red Imported Fire Ant is one of the most common ants in Florida, and it is native to much of the southern United States. The Fire Ant is commonly seen on acacia trees.
The most common venomous ant in Florida is the Longhorn Crazy Ant. These ants are 11mm long and have black and orange bodies. They are typically active at night, feeding on plant juices and dead wood. They have been declared a pest in Florida since the early 1930s. If you see them in your home, be sure to take action immediately to exterminate them. If you do not remove them, they will likely cause more damage than they're worth.
Fire ant
While the red imported fire ant is the most common venomous ants in Florida, it can also be dangerous. Fire ants' stings cause painful local reactions and are known to induce allergic sensitization. As a result, people who are allergic to fire ant venom have a high risk of developing anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction.
Fire ants have a wide range of habitats. Although the black fire ant is only found in northern Alabama and Mississippi, the red imported fire ants are common throughout the Southeast. Among other ant species, red imported fire ants prefer open, sunny areas. They nest in wood and rotting logs. White-footed ants live under heavy vegetation and in wall voids.
The symptoms of fire ant stings include intense pain, swelling, itching, and redness. The sting will go away after about 10 minutes, but the itching and redness will last for days. However, if you are allergic to fire ant venom, medical treatment is necessary to avoid serious complications. A single fire ant sting can lead to anaphylaxis in severe cases. If you seek a Port Orange Pest Control Company, contact us, we can help.