White-Footed Ants

Around 2.7 mm long, white-footed ants are small. They have one-segmented waists and pale feet. The other parts of the body look black or brown. They do feature antennas but no club. So, from these features of these ants, you can easily tell them from others taking the necessary precautions. Let’s know more about white-footed ants.

In the USA, you can find them in Florida, while there are reports of manifestation from Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia, which includes both urban and suburban areas. Usually, the ants get spread to other areas via the transportation of material already infested.
You may be amazed to know that white-footed ants don’t bite or neither sting, nor have been found to cause damage to the structure of a house or building. Nevertheless, millions of ants in a colony can cause a good deal of nuisance. These ants can be found in kitchens, bathrooms and outside homes in gardens and lawns.

What do they eat? Almost all species of ants feed on dead insects, proteins and sweets and this one has no exception either. Apart from this, a white-footed ant can live on honeydew and plant secretions. Other insects, such as mealy bugs, scales and aphids, produce the honeydew.

Signs Of An Infestation

If you see ants running around your garden or house, you have a problem. This is a clear sign of infestation. Besides, you can take a walk around your house to see any signs of an ant infestation, such as mounds and trails.

How to control white-footed ants

Controlling these ants is somewhat more difficult than controlling other ant species. The reason is that these tiny ants feed on a large variety of foods and can get into any type of structures with ease. They have one huge colony and around it they build other nests. Once they have established their colonies in a house or garden, it becomes a hard nut to crack to get rid of them.

Reproduction

If you are in southern Florida, the reproduction season of white-footed ants will be June and July. After laying eggs, queens take care of their new colony. In this way, more colonies of these ants come into existence.

More Information

If you have found your house or garden to be infested with these tiny creatures, what should you do next? The best advice that we can give is that you should get in touch with your local pest control professional as soon as possible. The first step will be to run a thorough inspection of your house and garden.

In your garden, they will inspect plants, such as fruit trees, palms and other flower plants. Aside from this, your pest control company may recommend effective proactive methods like trimming plants so they no branch touches the foundation, siding or roof of your house. They will also seal the gaps and cracks preventing ants from making it into your house. With the mentioned preventive and treatment methods, you can keep your residence safe from ants.

Contact us today for a free consultation and we will be at your service.