Ants are common, but specific species of ants are unique in their traffic patterns and social behavior. Check out some facts about ants, how to identify them, and the best pest control ants prevention.

Types Of Ants

Types of Ants differ in size and shape, and they are classified into three colony castes. Male ants have wings, while the female workers are wingless. Queens are fertile females that lay eggs in the colony.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Below are some facts about ants.

Facts about Ants

There are over 12,000 ant species in the world.

Where Do They Live?

Ants live in colonies inside trees, in voids of a building, or underground. They can also nest behind moldings, baseboards, and countertops.

Where Do They Eat?

Ants eat anything, but most prefer sweet foods, leaves, and grains. Some ants consume insects and other small animals. Insects may also eat fruits and vegetables.

How Did I Get Ants?

You can get ants if you leave food openly exposed. Ants love sugar and will crawl into your home to look for convenient food sources. Leaving pet food bowls outside can also attract ants.

How Serious Are Ants Problems?

Some of the problems caused by ants include:

Structural Damage

Carpenter ants destroy any wood surrounding your home as they use this to build their nest. Failure to control an ant infestation may lead to the weakening of wooden support beams and framing.

Disease transmission

Ants can contaminate the food by spreading germs and bacteria. When ants crawl through the trashcans or bathrooms, they can spread Clostridium and staphylococcus.

Stings and Bites

Ants can pose a serious health risk through their stings and bites. While the bite may not be harmful, the risk of infection may leave your bite inflamed and with a scar. Also, ants sting and can release venom into the skin, leaving you with red and itchy bumps.

Damage to Lawns and Gardens

Ants build nesting holes in lawns and gardens. Multiple holes could indicate an infestation and could lead to a damaged lawn.

What Can I Do About Ants?

If you notice that ants come from outside, you can prevent them from getting in by ensuring everything is clean. Make sure every food is in sealed plastic containers. You can block their entry by using a caulking gun to seal any entry points.
A vinegar concoction or soapy water works great for any trails left by ants. They use the trails to find the food source.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

You may have an ant infestation if you notice small piles of brownish power that comes from chewed wooden structures. Another sign is an unusual rustling noise that gets louder when the colony is disturbed. Ant sighting could indicate an infestation. You may see them walking in large numbers between sunset and midnight around the windows and doors.

Ants Prevention and Control Tips

Some of the ants control tips include:

Identify the Food and Water Sources

Once you’ve identified the sources, such a food or water in kitchens, you need to eliminate them by storing food in sealed containers and repairing any leaky pipes. Seal any cracks and crevices.

Clean Up

Clean, rinse, and wipe all surfaces to ensure there are no leftovers. Wash the dishes after every meal to avoid attracting ants at home.

Maintain a Mulch and Grass Free Barrier

Always maintain mulch and grass-free barrier of six to eight inches around your home’s foundation to get rid of ant nesting location. Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaky faucets and sprinkler heads.

Don’t Do it Alone

Battling ants can be challenging without the right tools and training. A licensed pest professional can help determine the proper treatment based on experience.

Ants Professional Pest Control

If you notice any of the above signs of infestation, you need to get in touch with a pest control company immediately to get rid of your ant problem. An ants control service will help identify the species you are dealing with and help prevent reoccurrence.
More information on ants
https://academic.oup.com/aesa/article-abstract/101/6/1162/2758536?redirectedFrom=PDF
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16601190
https://ants.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leaf-ants/

FAQs

Some common questions on Ants include:

How long do ants live?

Ants are the longest living insects. The queen ant can live for 30 years.

How do I get rid of Ants permanently?

Although ants control natural measures can work temporarily, you may get a reinfestation if the colony wasn’t destroyed. You may need to call in a pest control ants company if you don’t know the source of the colony,