Ants

Resource Tags:

Ants 
Insects, Spiders, & More 

About the Resource:

Ants are common insects that can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on their species and where they are found. While they play a crucial role in ecosystems by aerating soil and preying on pests, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes, gardens, or other areas where they're not wanted.

Common Types of Ants

  1. Argentine Ants: These are small, light to dark brown ants that often invade homes in search of food and water.
  2. Carpenter Ants: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-abl-carpenter-ant.pdf 
    Larger ants that are usually black or dark brown. They can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood to build their nests.
  3. Fire Ants: Known for their painful stings, fire ants are aggressive and can be dangerous to humans and pets.
  4. Odorous House Ants: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-abl-odorous-house-ant.pdf 
    These small brown or black ants give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed and are commonly found in kitchens.
  5. Pavement Ants: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-abl-pavement-ant.pdf 
    These ants are brown to black and typically nest in cracks in pavement or concrete.

Ant Behavior

  • Colonies: Ants live in colonies, which can range from a few dozen individuals to millions, depending on the species. A colony typically includes a queen, workers, and sometimes soldiers.
  • Food Sources: Ants are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including sweets, proteins, and fats. They are particularly attracted to sugary foods.
  • Trails: Ants leave pheromone trails to help other members of the colony find food sources. This is why you often see ants following each other in a line.

Prevention and Control Methods

  1. Prevention
    • Eliminate Food Sources: Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up spills and crumbs.
    • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, particularly around windows, doors, and foundations. Seal these entry points to prevent ants from getting inside.
    • Remove Water Sources: Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and other water sources, as ants are often attracted to moisture.
  2. Non-Chemical Controls
    • Vinegar Solution: Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to remove pheromone trails and deter ants.
    • Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and along ant trails. It’s a natural powder that dehydrates and kills ants without harming pets or humans.
    • Borax Bait: Mix borax with sugar and water to create a bait. Place it where you’ve seen ants; they’ll carry it back to the colony, which can help reduce the population over time.
  3. Chemical Controls
    • Ant Baits: Commercial ant baits are effective because they attract ants to carry poisoned food back to their colony, ultimately killing the entire colony. Place them near ant trails or where you see frequent ant activity.
    • Insecticide Sprays: Use insecticide sprays specifically labeled for ants around the exterior of your home, particularly around entry points. Be cautious when using these indoors, especially in areas where food is prepared or stored.
    • Barrier Treatments: Apply insecticide granules or liquid treatments around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that prevents ants from entering.
  4. Professional Pest Control
    • If you have a severe infestation, particularly with species like carpenter ants or fire ants, it might be best to call in professional pest control. They can accurately identify the species and apply the most effective treatment.

Ants in the Garden

  • Beneficial Role: Ants can be beneficial in gardens by aerating the soil and preying on pest insects. However, some species, like fire ants, can be harmful, and others, like Argentine ants, can farm aphids, which damage plants by feeding on their sap.
  • Garden Control
    • Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly into ant nests can kill ants and disrupt the colony. Be careful not to harm surrounding plants.
    • Natural Deterrents: Planting strong-scented herbs like mint or tansy around your garden can help repel ants.