Ants that we experience in Eastern Oklahoma are plentiful. They are one of the most fascinating groups in the insect world. Ants are social insects, with different groups playing their various roles in their ant colony. There are 12,000+ species worldwide. Ants are part of the insect Order Hymenoptera, which includes Ants, Bees, and Wasps. Ant reproductive forms typically have two pairs of wings, unequal in length. However, most worker ants are wingless, and it is the worker ants that we see most often. Ants belong to the insect family Formicidae. Most all species of ants that we encounter are beneficial and of no consequence as pests. However, when they invade your dwellings, your home, or your business, they certainly are pests. Some are able to cause painful stings, which is another feature of some ants that concern residential and commercial areas and the people that inhabit them in Tulsa, OK!
red ants eating sugar over messy table, ant infestation indoors
Ant Identification
Ant identification can be difficult because of the many sizes, shapes, colors, etc. that are represented in their family. However, a trained eye can distinguish the different ants using certain identification key characteristics.
Wings- the type, shape, and veins of wings, or even the lack of wings
Antennae- The shape and anatomy of the antennae
“Waist”- known as the petiole, the area between the thorax (middle section of insects) and the larger part of the abdomen can be very unique and will help with identification.
Types of Pest Ant species in Eastern Oklahoma
Some of the most common ants you will experience in our area are the Odorous House Ants
By far, our most common structure-infesting ant is the Odorous House Ant, Tapinoma sessile. They are small, dark in color, and their colonies can number in the tens of thousands. They live naturally outdoors, but foraging trails can find their way into our homes. They live outdoors, forming shallow nests under areas such as mulch, leaf litter, patio blocks, and potted plants. They are very mobile, moving entire colonies, as needed, especially during times of heavy rain or drought. They can form satellite colonies in or near structures. These colonies can be in wall voids, near plumbing openings, brick voids,
Odorous house ants are best known by their foraging ant trails. They are attracted to spilled food, especially foods with high sugar content, and commonly trail in from outdoors. Their distinctive smell, when they are crushed, is often described as the smell of rotting coconuts, hence the name “Odorous”.
Our Unique Approach To Ant Control & Removal Service
Next to cockroaches, ants are the most common structure-infesting pest.
Ant identification is the first step in the control of ants. Incorrect ant ID can not only hinder the effectiveness of pest control efforts, by can actually make the problem worse.
Integrated Ant Management (IAM) is the process of using all available tools to solve ant infestations. This can be sanitation, sealing cracks, management of garbage, sealing containers, as well as the use of pest control materials designed and targeted at the pest ant species that is infesting the structure.
Choice of Ant Control Materials can involve insecticide baits, granules, sprayed materials, and even materials known as insect growth regulators, which disrupt the normal reproductive potentials of the pest ant. The choice made hinges on the ID of the ant.
1. ANT INSPECTION
Ant inspection actually starts with you, the customer. Our initial conversation, along with a sample of several of the pest ants, will point us in the right direction.
Photos- taking clear photos of ants at high magnification, along with less magnification, and very helpful. Follow our “Free Pest ID” suggestions, and many ants can be identified by sending a picture and a follow up conversation. All such ID is subject to initial inspection at the time of service.
Ant inspection will include interior inspection in such areas as kitchen counters and floors, food storage areas, windows, bedrooms, perimeter under rugs and carpet tack strips, water sources such as bathrooms and utility rooms. Exterior inspections will include foundations, exterior windows, under mulch and leaf litter, masonry block walls, soffit and edge of roof shingle. As mentioned, the initial ID will often determine the focus of inspection.
2. INTERIOR ANT TREATMENT
Interior and treatment consist of:
Initial inspection to determine pest ant species, contributing factors, and control methods.
Recommendation of helpful steps that can be taken by the property manager or homeowner to aid in solving current and future ant infestations, such as addressing sanitation and proper landscape maintenance.
Application of pest management materials, which may include interior baits, and residual materials to control the pest ant infestation.
Treating wall and masonry voids
Additional steps such as tracking the ant trails to their sources, controlling honeydew-producing insect infestations (and food source), which can be on the interior or exterior plants, inspect for interior satellite colonies.
3. EXTERIOR ANT TREATMENT
Exterior treatments range from turf applications to exterior perimeter treatments. Techniques include:
Spray, granule, or bait application to turf
Ant mound drenching and baiting
Treatment of masonry or block voids on the building perimeter and walls adjacent to the structure
Mulch and leaf litter area
Crack between soil and foundation wall
inside water meter boxes and under sprinkler heads
Under and in exterior potted plants
What sets us apart regarding ant control?
We are highly skilled in the science of Ant ID. We are the only company in Tulsa, OK and surrounding areas with an Entomologist on staff that is Board Certified in Urban and Industrial Entomology.
What does that mean to you, the customer? Just like good physicians, we can diagnose the problem ACCURATELY, and provide a tailored prescription service for your particular ant infestation.
Why Choose Pest Medic Pest Control
We’re passionate about helping people just like you get rid of unwanted pest problems. As such, we are proud to be the only pest control company in Tulsa, OK promising excellence in value, service, and trust.
Value
After your pest inspection, we’ll provide you with a quote that makes sense for your budget and unique needs.
Service
We’re not happy unless you are. So if you’re not satisfied with your most recent service, we’ll make it right.
Trust
We know you are putting a lot of trust in our hands. So we promise to treat you and your home with respect.
It depends…on the ant. Call us for a free Ant ID and we can help to determine the cause. Many times ants forage from the outdoors to the interior of your home, seeking food, water, or shelter/climate that they need.
Ants tend to be a nuisance where most species are concerned. However, some species have stingers and can cause a painful sting, such as fire ants and harvester ants. Ants can also be a fire hazard due to infesting electrical circuits, they can contaminate food, and can damage wood in structures. Once again, identification is key.
1) Get a clear, up-close picture of the ant or ants, if possible. Put ant sample in zip lock baggie. Text picture to Pest Medic, according to instructions on the home page. 2) Contact Pest Medic for a FREE ANT ID 3)We can then discuss the best solution to your ant infestation. 4) Or just call us at 918-636-2326 to walk you through this, or schedule an on-site inspection.
It depends… on the ant species. Call us at 918-636-2326 and we can discuss it, or click on the “Free Pest ID” and follow the instructions. For example, sometimes what customers think are ant mounds are actually exit holes for earthworms. It’s all about proper identification!
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Joel is excellent! He is very professional and friendly! Always fun to listen to his knowledge of bugs! He does a great job of getting rid of your pest problems!– Micah P. in Tulsa, OK
We’ve been using Joel for a couple of years now, and he is exactly what you are looking for in Pest control. Don’t hesitate to call him.– Chris S. in Tulsa, OK
Joel is amazing! Great value, kind, knowledgeable, and very professional. I would recommend him and his service to friends, family, and business associates.– Richard Z. in Tulsa, OK
