No homeowner likes ants marching around their house as it is not appealing, but only a few are aware of the dangers they pose. Unfortunately, there are many dangers that ants pose to humans. These dangers are discussed below:
Home Damage
Most people are unaware of the damage ants can do to a home. Unfortunately, ants can damage a house just like the termites. Carpenter ants can damage the wood structures in a home.
In addition, carpenter ants build their nests in wood and hollow areas. Rather than eating the wood, they create tunnels in it. It is tough to determine if carpenter nests have infested your house as most of the damage done by them is hidden in windows, door frames, wooden walls and other wood surfaces.
One sign that carpenter ants have infested your house is the pile of wood shavings beneath a wooden surface. Another sign of the infestation is spotting many ants. In case you find out ants have infested your house, you should consult a pest control company to help you get rid of the ant infestation.
Health Risks
This is one of the most severe dangers caused by ants. If you find ants in your house, then it is a cause for worry as certain types of ants can cause potential health risks. All ants bite and can cause discomfort and pain because of their biting.
Although they are not dangerous, if you fail to clean and care for the bite, it can cause skin irritation or skin infection. Ant stings are different from ant bites, and if a fire ant stings you, they inject venom through their stingers. The sting is, of course, painful, but the venom can be life-threatening in some cases.
In addition, a fire ant’s sting can cause swelling, redness, pain and itching. In case you have a severe reaction to the venom, then you may have diarrhoea, dizziness, chest pain, stomach cramps, nausea and difficulty breathing. The venom injected by fire ants may also cause allergic reactions. Therefore, you must keep your home clear of ants.
Other Pests
Ants are a part of the food chain and food source for various pests. So, if ants have made their nests in your house, then other pests are more likely to enter your home. For example, spiders, including black widow and recluse spiders, feed on ants. Even bats may get attracted to an ant-infested home.
Wrap Up:
So, if the colony of ants has made an entrance into your house through cracks, holes, crevices, windows, doors, or any other place, you should take immediate actions as it is difficult to control them.
You can seek the help of professional pest control companies to eliminate the ants from your home, as only professionals can stop ants from infesting your house and clear an infestation when it has already begun. Pest control companies specialize in eliminating pest problems and can create barriers in and around your home to prevent ants from entering.