Ants are one of the most common pests found in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Ants can enter buildings through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Once inside, they will search for food and water.
Ants are attracted to sugary substances like fruit juice, honey, and syrup. They will also feed on proteins like peanut butter and meats. When ants find food, they will leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. This can quickly lead to an infestation.
The most common ants are pharaoh ants, carpenter ants, and black house ants.
Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are small (from 1.5 to 3mm long), yellow or light brown ants with dark brown markings on their abdomen. Pharaoh ants are native to Africa but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia.
Pharaoh ants are one of the most difficult ants to control because they will establish multiple colonies in a single building. Each colony can contain thousands of ants. When a Pharaoh ant colony becomes too large, the ants will split into two colonies and spread to other parts of the building.
Pharaoh ants are attracted to sweet substances like sugar, honey, and syrup. They will also feed on protein-rich foods like meats and peanut butter. When Pharaoh ants find food, they will leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. This can quickly lead to pest outbreak.
Pharaoh ants can have a negative impact on hospitals and health care facilities in several ways. First, Pharaoh ants can contaminate food and medication. Second, they can bite or sting patients, which can cause allergic reactions or introduce bacteria into the wound. Third, Pharaoh ants can damage equipment by chewing on wires and other parts.
The best way to control Pharaoh ants is to get proactive pest control. A trained technician will be able to properly identify the ant and develop a treatment plan that will get rid of the infestation.
Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are large ants that measure 6 to 25 mm in length. They get their name from their habit of nesting in wood. Carpenter ants are black, red, or a combination of these colors.
Carpenter ants are attracted to sweet substances like sugar, honey, and syrup. They will also feed on protein-rich foods like meats and peanut butter. When carpenter ants find food, they will leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. This can quickly lead to a pest infestation.
Carpenter ants are one of the most feared pests in healthcare facilities. These wood-destroying insects can cause significant damage to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, putting patients and staff at safety risk.
Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, so they are often found near leaky pipes and in damp areas such as laundry rooms and storage closets. Once they have established a nest, carpenter ants can quickly spread throughout a facility, causing extensive structural damage.
In addition to damaging hospital property, carpenter ants can also pose a serious health threat. These insects are known to carry dangerous pathogens, which can be transmitted to patients through their bites or through contaminated food or water. If not controlled, carpenter ants can have a devastating impact on a hospital or other healthcare facility.
The best way to control carpenter ants is to contact a professional pest control team. The important role of a trained technician will be able to properly identify and manage pests, develop a treatment plan that will get rid of the infestation then place a pest control program to prevent serious pest infestations from happening.
The black house ant (Ochetellus glaber) is a small ant that measures 2 to 3 mm in length. They are black or dark brown in color and have a smooth, shiny body. Black house ants get their name from their habit of nesting in structures like houses.
Black house ants are attracted to sweet substances like sugar, honey, and syrup. They will also feed on protein-rich foods like meats and peanut butter. When black house ants find food, they will leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. This can quickly lead to an infestation
Despite their name, black house ants are not typically found in homes. However, these small insects can pose a big problem for hospitals and healthcare facilities. These ants are often brought into hospitals on the shoes or clothing of visitors or staff members.
Once inside, they quickly begin to explore the environment, seeking out food and water. Unfortunately, black house ants are attracted to many of the same things that patients need: sugary drinks, fruits, medical supplies, and even IV bags full of sweetened fluids. As a result, these ants can contaminate food and water supplies, leading to serious illness.
In addition, their nesting habits can block drains and air vents, creating unsanitary conditions. In some cases, black house ants have even been known to bite patients who are unable to defend themselves.
Given the potential risks posed by these pests, it is essential for hospitals and healthcare facilities to take steps to prevent them from gaining access to patient areas.
The best way of controlling pests is to contact a professional pest control company. A trained technician will be able to properly identify the ant and develop a treatment plan that will get rid of the pest infestation.