Great service! Leo, our technician was very knowledgeable and professional, he helped me understand the do's and don'ts and how to keep my house free of pests. The green company is very pet and child friendly so we didn't loose time from our daily lives. For privacy and out of respect for your property, technicians do not open closed doors so you gotta let them know which rooms you want service in. Price is great, and includes unlimited follow-ups. Great job, thank you.
Caroline Canning
Tim Cloud is thorough and well spoken when it comes to explaining treatment. He gets the job done and we do not experience pests in between sprays, which is really appreciated.
M Hughes
Nathan green services : it was such a pleasure to meet your technician Mr Raul Espinosa. He was very knowledgeable about his job and meticulously checked the property and explained to us that unluckily we are connected to other neighbors which would’ve made his work impossible since the others apparently don’t care about the presence of mice in their attics and the six owners would’ve had to decide to do the job. We really appreciate his time and knowledge . Such a great asset for your company.
victor barbee
Great job. Cheerful, efficient, thorough.
Catherine Raines
Tim is very professional and kind. This is his 2nd time to do our pest control and just like last time was very thorough and made sure we were satisfied. Excellent customer service!
Hitesh Bhakta
Natran serviced my previous home and when I moved to my new house, I contacted them again since their service is excellent and they pay attention to detail.
Cindy Davis
Alex was very thorough and informative of the pest/roach problem I am experiencing. He cared and listened to my concerns. I am hopeful the pesticide and bait work to get rid of these pests.
Radeen Kabir
Whether you have Marc, Raul, or Damion coming by your home for your pest control needs, you will be very pleased with their service. They are highly professional and thorough. After the first pest control folks we used incorrectly told us we had American cockroaches when in fact we had mice, we reached out to Natran and they came by right away. Natran's traps helped us exterminate a number of mice and they also sealed the openings at our home. I highly recommend their services. And Kate at their office is great and will connect you to the right pest control professional, who is very well trained and dependable.
Debbie Hall
Very attentive, articulate, and thorough service person. We appreciate the effort he put in to find the dead rat that had escaped the trap.
Julie Brandom Atun
Thorough and professional!!!
Doug Block
Great pest company. Highly recommend them for fast, effective, and professional pest control. We'll be using them for regular service from now on!
Kevin Bice
Fast, friendly service. They seem to know what they’re doing, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.
Home > Blog > Ant Species in Texas: Identification and Control
Published Date - April 22, 2024
Article written by Jamar Williamson
Howdy, young Texans! If you've ever found yourself facing a stampede of pesky ants invading your territory, you know it's no picnic. Those tiny critters can march into your space quicker than a prairie wind. But don't fret, fellow Texans, for I'm here to share some wisdom on a crucial matter—identifying and controlling ant species in the Lone Star State.
Let's rustle up some knowledge about why ants are as common as bluebonnets in Texas and why it's essential to deal with them pronto. You see, ants are drawn to food, water, and shelter like cowboys to a campfire. Whether it's a spilled soda at a picnic or a cozy corner in your kitchen, ants can sniff out opportunities faster than a bloodhound on a scent trail. In Texas, we've got a whole posse of ant species to contend with, each with its own quirks and tendencies. From the infamous fire ants with their painful stings to the sneaky sugar ants scouting for sweet treats, these critters can cause quite the ruckus if left unchecked. But fear not, young wranglers, for knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with these six-legged varmints.
Common Ant Species in Texas
Now, let's round up some knowledge on how to spot these critters before they take over your homestead. In Texas, we've got a few main players in the ant posse:
- Fire Ants: These fiery bandits are known for their reddish-brown color and painful stings. They often build large mounds in open areas like lawns and pastures.
- Crazy Ants: These jittery fellas earned their name from their erratic movements. They're small and dark brown, often found scurrying indoors in search of food.
- Sugar Ants: Also known as odorous house ants, these critters are attracted to sweets and give off a distinct odor when squished. They're small and dark brown, commonly found trailing along kitchen countertops.
- Carpenter Ants: These sturdy ants are larger in size and typically black or red. They don't eat wood but can cause damage by nesting in damp or decaying wood around homes.
Knowing which ant species you're dealing with can help you plan your strategy for keeping them at bay. So keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you, young Texans.
Fire Ants
Fire ants, known for their reddish-brown color and painful stings, are a common nuisance in many Texas homes. These aggressive insects build large mounds in lawns, gardens, and even indoors, posing a threat to both humans and pets. To tackle fire ant infestations using DIY green pest control methods, start by locating their nests—often identified by large mounds of loose soil—and treating them directly with natural solutions.
Most ants will not come and make a little nest in your house. Fire Ants do!
Joshua Floyd
One effective approach is to use a mixture of boiling water and soap, poured directly into the nest to eliminate the ants. Alternatively, sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and nest sites can deter fire ants without harming the environment or pets. Regularly mowing your lawn, keeping it well-trimmed, and removing debris can also help discourage fire ant activity. Additionally, creating barriers with cinnamon or citrus peels near entry points can deter ants from entering your home. By taking these eco-friendly steps, you can effectively manage fire ant populations while minimizing harm to the environment and your loved ones.
Crazy Ants
Crazy ants, scientifically known as Nylanderia fulva, are invasive pests notorious for their erratic movements and large colonies. These ants are attracted to electrical equipment, making them a nuisance in homes as they can cause damage by short-circuiting electronics. Additionally, they have a voracious appetite for sweets and can quickly infest kitchens and pantries.
For DIY green pest control against crazy ants, start by sealing off entry points such as cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and utility openings. Since crazy ants are attracted to moisture, fix any leaks and ensure proper drainage around your home. Use natural deterrents such as vinegar, peppermint oil, or diatomaceous earth to create barriers and disrupt ant trails. Finally, maintain cleanliness by regularly wiping down surfaces and storing food in airtight containers to minimize attractants. If the infestation persists, consider consulting with a professional pest control service that offers eco-friendly solutions.
Sugar Ants
Sugar ants, often referred to as odorous house ants, are tiny brown or black ants that emit a musty smell when crushed, hence their name. These ants are attracted to sugary substances and are commonly found foraging in kitchens and pantries. They can enter homes through even the tiniest cracks and crevices in search of food, making them a common household nuisance.
For a quick green pest control made at home against sugar ants, start by identifying and eliminating food sources such as spills, crumbs, and open containers of food. Use natural repellents like vinegar, cinnamon, or citrus peels to deter ants from entering your home. Additionally, create physical barriers by sealing cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and walls with caulk or weather stripping.
For a more proactive approach, set up bait stations using a mixture of borax and sugar to effectively eliminate ant colonies. Regularly clean surfaces and keep your home tidy to prevent future infestations. If the problem persists, consider consulting with a professional pest control service that offers eco-friendly solutions.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are large black ants known for nesting in wood, particularly damp or decaying wood. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but rather excavate it to create galleries for their nests. Spotting sawdust-like material, known as frass, near wooden structures is a common sign of carpenter ant activity. These ants can cause significant structural damage to homes if left unchecked.
For DIY green pest control against carpenter ants, start by identifying and eliminating moisture sources around your home, as damp wood attracts them. Remove any decaying or water-damaged wood, and ensure proper ventilation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Use non-toxic remedies like diatomaceous earth or boric acid powder to create barriers around potential entry points. Additionally, set up bait stations using a mixture of borax and sugar to lure ants away from your home and effectively eliminate colonies. Regularly inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, doors, and windows to prevent ants from gaining access. If the infestation persists or if structural damage is suspected, it's advisable to consult with a professional pest control service that offers eco-friendly solutions.
In Conclusion
ants may be small, but they sure can be a mighty big nuisance if left unchecked. By knowing how to identify the different ant species we encounter in Texas and taking steps to control infestations, we can keep our homes ant-free and enjoy the wide-open spaces of Texas livin' without them critters causin' a ruckus. So tip your hat to pest control, pardner—it's the secret weapon in the fight against them pesky ants!
With these here tips in your saddlebag, you'll be keepin' them critters out and enjoyin' the wide-open spaces of Texas livin' in no time. So tip your hat to pest control, pardner—it's the secret weapon in the fight against them pesky ants!
How do I identify ants in Texas? Other species of carpenter ants in Texas can be yellow to black, and they have a pinched waisted, elbowed antennae (this is a definite distinguisher from termites), a bump between the abdomen and a thorax that is evenly rounded. Carpenter ants generally nest in trees, but they can enter and live inside homes as well.
What are the brown and black ants in Texas? Odorous house ants get their name from the distinct, rotten, coconut-like smell they emit when crushed. They are small, measuring about 1/8 inch long, and are typically dark brown or black. These ants are often found indoors, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, as they are attracted to moisture and sweet foods.
What are the most common species of ants found in Texas? The most common species of ants found in Texas are the Red Imported Fire Ant, Carpenter Ant, Crazy Ant, and the Texas Leafcutter Ant. These species are rampant in urban and suburban areas across the state.
What steps can I take to control the ant population in my home or yard? You can control the ant population in your home or yard by maintaining sanitation, sealing entry points, and using ant baits or insecticides. Additionally, professional pest control services may be necessary for severe infestations.
