What Every Alabama Homeowner Should Know
When we think of dangerous pests, ants rarely top the list. They seem like a minor nuisance compared to mosquitoes or rodents. However, ants are more than just unwelcome visitors in your kitchen—they can pose serious health risks and damage your property. Understanding the dangers associated with different types of ants can help protect your home and family.
In this article, we’ll explore whether ants can make you sick, which species to watch for in Alabama, and how to get rid of them safely and effectively.
Can Ants Transmit Disease?
The short answer is yes—ants can make you sick. While they don’t directly transmit diseases in the same way as mosquitoes, they can still carry and spread harmful bacteria. Ants are notorious for crawling through garbage, drains, and decaying matter before making their way onto your food or countertops.
Common bacteria that ants can transport include:
- Salmonella: Found in spoiled food and waste, it can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- E. coli: Known for severe stomach cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Streptococcus: A bacterium that can lead to sore throats and infections.
This makes a strong case for keeping your home ant-free—not just for comfort, but for your health.
House Ants: Small Size, Big Problem
House ants, also known as odorous house ants, are among the most common ant species found inside Alabama homes. They’re small, dark brown or black, and emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed.
These house ants are attracted to sugary substances and can invade kitchens and pantries quickly. Because they forage through unsanitary places and then crawl over food-prep areas, they can easily contaminate your meals and cause food poisoning.
Signs of a house ant infestation include:
- Long trails of ants in your kitchen
- Small black ants near baseboards or sinks
- A musty smell when crushed
To prevent house ants, keep surfaces clean, store food in airtight containers, and seal cracks and crevices around your home.
Pavement Ants: Sneaky and Stubborn
Pavement ants are named for their nesting habits—they typically build colonies in cracks of sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations. These ants are small, brown to black, and often found foraging indoors during warmer months.
While pavement ants aren’t aggressive, they’re still unhygienic. Like other species, they can contaminate food and surfaces. Their nests near the foundation can also contribute to long-term structural damage if left unchecked.
Combat pavement ants by:
- Sealing entry points around the foundation
- Removing crumbs and standing water
- Hiring a pest control professional for ongoing treatment
Carpenter Ants: The Silent Destroyers
Unlike other ants, carpenter ants don’t just scavenge—they damage your home. These large black or red ants burrow into wood to build their nests, compromising structural integrity over time.
Though carpenter ants aren’t known to spread disease directly, their nesting behavior can result in significant property damage. Moist, decaying wood is their preferred habitat, so homes with leaky roofs, plumbing, or siding are especially vulnerable.
Spotting a carpenter ant infestation early is crucial. Look for:
- Sawdust-like material (frass) near wooden surfaces
- Faint rustling noises inside walls
- Winged ants emerging indoors
If you suspect carpenter ants, call Steel City Pest immediately to inspect and treat the infestation before repairs become costly.
Fire Ants: Aggressive and Painful
Fire ants are one of the most aggressive and dangerous ant species found in Alabama. Recognizable by their reddish color and painful sting, fire ants build large mound nests in yards, gardens, and sometimes inside electrical equipment.
A fire ant sting injects venom that causes a burning sensation, itching, and pus-filled blisters. In severe cases, especially for those with allergies, their stings can lead to anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction.
In addition to health concerns, fire ants can damage plants, invade homes, and ruin outdoor activities. Avoid disturbing their mounds and seek professional help to eliminate them safely.
Tips for dealing with fire ants:
- Don’t disturb visible mounds
- Use fire ant-specific baits and insecticides
- Wear protective gear when working in infested areas
Are Ants Making You Sick?
If you’ve experienced unexplained stomach issues, food spoilage, or skin irritation and suspect an ant infestation, it’s time to take action. Ants don’t belong in your home, and ignoring the problem could impact your family’s health.
Here are a few health signs that may be related to an ant infestation:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort after eating
- Skin irritation or allergic reactions from ant bites
- Contaminated food that spoils quickly
Protect Your Home with Steel City Pest
No matter the type—house ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants, or fire ants—all ants are a threat to your health, safety, and property. Don’t wait for a minor problem to become a major one.
At Steel City Pest, we offer safe, reliable, and targeted ant control solutions tailored for Alabama homes. Our experts will identify the species, locate nests, and eliminate the infestation—while offering long-term prevention strategies.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, ant-free home.
