Think ants are nothing but a harmless nuisance? You are thinking wrong.
There are some poisonous ants out there that are more than just a pest; they could threaten your life through an innocent bite.
Do not let their small size fool you.
Ants may look like they cannot harm creatures as large as humans, but there are some that can inflict horrible bites that might be fatal.
Most ant bites, including those from fire ants, typically create pain, but there are some that are poisonous enough to make a human ill, yes they do carry venom.
Symptoms of these ant bites range from itching, swelling, and life-threatening issues like vomiting, confusion, and difficulty breathing.
Therefore, it is important for homeowners and business owners to be aware of the dangerous ants out there, and contact a pest control company in Toronto if they spot ants.
The 5 Most Dangerous Ants
1. Bullet Ants
Bullet ants received their name because of the painful bite they give their victims. The sting feels just like being shot (or so those that have bitten claim).
The bullet ant by far is the worst ant to receive a bite from, and the pain can last for more than 24 hours. In some swarms, these ants could sting a person to death.
Typically, the bullet ant is found in a tree, and they are more than one-inch long.
They attack only when they feel like they’re being threatened, or someone disturbs their nest.
2. Fire Ants
Fire ant removal in York and Toronto areas has grown over the past few years, and fire ants are becoming a big problem for Canada and the United States.
Typically, a red fire ant feeds on plants and seeds.
When they are threatened, or their nest is disturbed, however, they become violent. They deliver a toxic venom to their victims that feel as though you have been burned.
Fire ants are common in moist areas, including watered lawns and highway shoulders.
The nest is not always visible and could be built under items like timber, logs, and rocks. Therefore, you could accidentally uncover them doing work in your yard.
The red imported fire ant is the most invasive in the area. Shipping containers accidentally introduced it, per Wikipedia, and has become a growing problem.
It is estimated that 60 percent of those living in fire ant-infested regions are stung each year.
3. Bulldog Ants
These ants are mostly found in Australia, but some do find their way to other countries.
These ants have a venom-laced stinger that can take down enemies.
Their stings typically cause allergic reactions.
4. Red Harvester Ants
Also, known as the Maricopa ants, these are one of the most venomous ants on the planet.
They have a painful sting that attacks the body’s lymph nodes and can be fatal.
Victims who are allergic to the venom will most likely have life-threatening effects.
Per Texas A&M University, they are unlikely to attack unless threatened severely.
Most red harvester ants are produced and sold to local farms.
5. Army Ants
Another scary ant to have pest control professionals in Toronto handle is the army ant.
While they are typically found in Africa and other third world countries, these ants will eat anything that comes in their way, and they do not discriminate. In fact, these ants could eat a human if they wanted to.
According to National Geographic, army ants are the deadliest ant colony in the world. They digest food as they tear it apart, and they can quickly consume a large species in a matter of minutes.
Army ants have been seen destroying scorpions, snakes, and other deadly insects — giving them little to no opportunity to escape.
Have an Ant Problem? Contact the Best Pest Control Company in Toronto
Do not try to eradicate ants on your own.
Even if your ant infestation contains a harmless species, ants are particularly challenging to remove once they have set up a colony.
If you need ant removal for dangerous species, contact Power Pest Control, Inc.
We have a team of technicians certified, trained, and knowledgeable about all ant species. We know how to remove fire ants, carpenter ants, and more from your home and keep them from coming back.
Learn about our ant control and removal program, which includes six-month and one-year guarantees.
