BIGHEADED ANT FACTS & INFORMATION
How do I get rid of Bigheaded Ants?
There are a variety of treatment options available for getting rid of these ants. The colony’s population may rebound if some of its members survive. Let the pest control experts take care of things.
Insect control is one of the specialties of On Demand Pest Control. Your On Demand Pro will customize an ant treatment plan based on the specifics of your building or home.
Ant control is not a one-time procedure, but rather an ongoing effort. If you’re concerned about ants invading your home or office, call On Demand today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Another invasive ant species, bighead ants are so named because of their disproportionately large heads compared to the rest of their bodies. Soil that has been disturbed is where these ants tend to build their colonies, as well as under patios and other yard debris. Because they are omnivores and feed on insects and other arthropods, bigheaded ants are drawn to yards with large populations of insects. Climbing up the sides of houses, these pests enter through holes in the siding or open windows. They then congregate in kitchens, where there is an abundance of food to be found. Seeds, grease, sweets, and high-protein foods are all favorites of pests.
Minor lawn damage can be caused by bigheaded ant infestation, as well as spread to packaged foods or meat that is left out in the open. Pests can wilt houseplants when they eat them. Although these ants can cause some damage to homes, they rarely bite unless provoked.
The worker ants are the most common symptom, as they are with most ant species. Foraging for food can bring them indoors to areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where they are often spotted.
On Demand does NOT charge for inspections. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy. We know where to look for certain types of bugs, and we will perform a full inspection to find them. Additionally, we will also check for any other type of pest that may have made their way into your home. Each strategy takes into account the specifics of the property, issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting (954) 947-0805.
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Understanding Bigheaded Ants
Appearance
The United States is home to a variety of bigheaded ant species. Pheidole is the name of the genus in which they are found. They come in a variety of colors, from yellow to dark reddish-brown, depending on the species.
Behavior
Bigheaded ant colonies have two distinct types of workers: major and minor. The heads of the major workers are enormous when compared to their bodies. The major workers of bigheaded ants bear the name because of their disproportionately large heads. As soldiers, the colony’s major workers protect it. Large jaws are used by the colony leaders to crack seeds and other food for the smaller workers. About one-half of the size of the majors is that of the minor. All of these activities are carried out by minor workers who provide food and care for immature colonies. Every colony has a large number of minor workers. They’re not known for wreaking havoc on structures, but a few species are known hosts for tapeworms.
Bigheaded ants build their nests under rocks or logs in the ground. They’ve been known to build a mound of earth around the nest’s entrance. These ants commonly build their nests under slabs of concrete or near the foundation of buildings. Cracks in the foundation are a common entry point for these pests. Despite the fact that they don’t usually live in homes, they frequently search for food inside. The majority of bigheaded ant infestations in homes begin in the yard.
Diet
This species of ant feeds on insects and honeydew when it is out in the open. They prefer protein-rich foods when foraging indoors. These ants are adept at creating pathways from their nest to the source of their food. The nest can sometimes be located by following these trails.
Reproduction
Workers and reproductives are created as a result of the eggs laid by queens. There are usually multiple queens in a colony.
More Information
Remove places where bigheaded ants could set up shop near your home. It’s best to keep firewood piles as far away from your home as possible. A barrier between the building and any mulch or vegetation will help to keep these ants out of your house.
