Introducing the Big Headed Ant
The Big Headed Ant is often confused with the Pharaoh or the Fire Ant. And yes, they all have two nodes between their abdomen and thorax, but there is one very distinct difference. You see, the big headed ant is called that because they, well, they have a big head. It is that simple.
Big headed ants are an invasive species you do not want training into your home in Florida. Count on your local Drive-Bye Exterminators for immediate Big Headed Ant treatment and prevention.
Big Headed Ant Facts
These Big Headed Ants have two divisions of workers, major and minor.
A major worker is a soldier that defends the colony. These are the ants that have enormous heads compared to their bodies.
And a minor worker forages for food for the colony. They do not have the big head of the major worker.
Oh, and Big Headed Ants have a stinger. But, they do not sting humans, and they only bite if their nest is disturbed.
Big Headed Ants are reddish-brown to a dull black. And the queen ants have wings.
Have you seen an ant that looks just like this? Hurry, and contact Drive-Bye Exterminators before you have a full-blown infestation inside the house.
Size:
Major workers- 4mm long
Minor workers- 2mm long
Antennae: 12 segmented
Habitat
Big Headed Ants are found anywhere with a tropical to subtropical climate but mainly in Australia, Hawaii, and Florida. They are primarily outdoor ants that nest in cracks of trees, soil, under rocks, under patio pavers, landscape timbers, and under debris.
Deep underground, they work together to form “super colonies.” In fact, if you lift a paver and find a pile of dead ant bones, then you will know Big Headed Ants have visited you.
Diet
Big Headed Ants feed on both live and dead insects, seeds, and the honeydew produced by aphids. However, once they enter a home, they will look for protein-rich foods like peanut butter, meat, fats, sweets, and fruits.
The issue humans have with the Big Headed Ant is that they are persistent foragers. These ants will forage anywhere they can get in. And they leave an annoying trail of sand or debris in a trail leading to and from their mounds.
To get rid of Big Headed Ants effectively, our professional service can come out to treat the problem. As soon as you recognize the trails, mounds, or other signs, contact the staff at Drive-Bye Exterminators.
Prevention
It is essential to call a professional exterminator to deal with the situation if you suspect you have these annoying ants invading your home.
Homeowners can take care of the outside of the home in the following ways.
- Keep gutters free of build-up and debris and spouts pointed away from the foundation.
- Replace or repair leaky spigots and fixtures to keep excess water from pooling.
- Clear all debris and overgrowth from the lawn. If there are fallen trees or rotting leaves, rake them to keep the ants from extending their colonies.
- Trim all bushes and trees away from the walls of the home.
- Don’t bring firewood in until you have inspected it for ant activity.
- Seal the cracks of your home’s exterior and replace weather stripping whenever needed.
Big Headed Ant Elimination
Obviously, keeping ants out of the home in the first place is optimal. Your local pest control experts can guide you to Big Headed Ant exclusion and elimination outside the home.
However, if these ants gain entry to the house, a professional should be called right away. Baits and poisons can be toxic and are only temporary solutions, causing the ants to divert their path.
Our exterminators will perform the following ant control methods:
- We will drown the nest using insecticides.
- Then, we will bait the ants with protein or grease baits.
- If needed, we will use dust to get to difficult to treat areas like inside walls and cracks.
Drive Bye Exterminators has the answer for pest control in your home. Ants are eradicated with our years of experience and quality products. So, you can trust your home to our Big Headed Ant and pest control services.
If you see these ants, or any ants for that matter, in a particular area of the home, call your local pest control
company before the infestation gets any worse.
Contact Drive Bye Exterminators for all your pest control needs in Florida.
