[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some of the most common household pests are ants.  They range from annoying yet harmless to ferocious and potentially dangerous, particularly for people with allergies.  Though small, they rarely travel alone and usually invade with an arsenal.  Ants have colonized almost every landmass on Earth so chances are, you’ve already seen quite a few. There are a number of species of ants.  They have segmented body that can be as small as .03 inches or up to 2 inches in length.  They have antennae, mandibles and six legs.  Most are either red or black but some of the tropical species can be greenish or have a metallic sheen. Most ants come into your home searching for food. In doing so, they leave a chemical trail for others to follow. If they find a food source, they will continue to visit it practically non-stop until it is consumed. They will contaminate cabinets and food containers. Some ants, like fire ants, can deliver a painful sting if threatened and they will usually attack in numbers. If a person is allergic, this can lead to a serious reaction or even life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Ants are active from early spring through late fall. They become sluggish and slow at around 50 degrees and hibernate through the winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]