Ants
Ants are among the most common insects infesting homes. In addition,
the wide range and adaptability of ants means that homeowners are at risk
from infestations by more than one species. The pest experts at Terminix
have studied ants for decades, and offer these insights on their behavior
and treatments.
Types of Ants
Argentine Ants: Argentine ant colonies
can contain tens of thousands of workers and numerous queens. Each colony
is divided into subcolonies, which may extend over several properties,
making it very difficult to eliminate this pest. Although only about 1/8
inch long, Argentine ants are very aggressive and will drive out competing
colonies, reigning as the "kings of the anthill." They are most active
in the summer, as they seek out the sweet honeydew produced by aphids
and mealybugs.
Carpenter Ants: The most common problem
ant in the north and much of the U.S., carpenter ants require a constant
source of moisture, and frequently locate in dead wood outside homes.
Often, satellite colonies of these pests will invade the home and establish
themselves near leaks or in wet, poorly ventilated areas. Like Argentine
ants, these large, 5/8 inch-long ants feed on the honeydew produced by
aphids and mealybugs.
Crazy Ants: These small, 1/8 inch-long
ants received their nickname from their seemingly random zigzag movements.
They're common in the Gulf states, parts of Arizona, and large northern
cities. Crazy ants establish their colonies in walls, beneath carpeting,
and in other suitable spaces.
Fire Ants: Easily
identifiable by their red color, small size, and large mounds, these ants
are one of the few to constitute a real health hazard. Their painful stings
can cause welts and pustules, and they are very aggressive. Simply stepping
on a mound can result in dozens of painful stings. People with allergic
reactions are most at risk for complications from fire ant stings.
Because of the threat they represent and the difficulty in eliminating
their colonies, you should always have a professional deal with these
ants.
Ghost Ants: Only 1/16 of an inch long,
ghost ants are as hard to spot as they are to eliminate. Because they
do not feed on most baits, the ants should be aggressively treated by
a professional. Regular inspections are critical to keeping these pests
under control.
Moisture Ants: Primarily a problem in the
Pacific northwest, moisture ants seek out areas in the kitchen or bathroom
where water leaks are common. Visually, they are almost indistinguishable
from other small ants; however, their colonies build distinctive "carton"
nests that resemble hard clods of dirt.
Odorous House Ants: These brown, 1/8 inch-long
ants give off a rotten coconut odor when crushed. Because they do not
feed on ant baits, these ants can be very difficult to eliminate without
the help of a professional. Regular inspections and aggressive treatment
are the best way to eliminate this pest.
Pavement Ants: Pavement ants are, as their
name implies, found near and beneath slabs, sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
Colonies are usually marked by piles of soil on top of the pavement. If
you find piles of soil under baseboards or on top of a basement or garage
floor, it's a sure sign these pests are present.
Pharaoh ants: Easily confused with other
ants, the pharaoh ant is yellowish and approximately 1/8 inch long. They
are very opportunistic, and will establish themselves in hollow curtain
rods, inside irons, under shingles, and anywhere else they can find water.
What's more, whenever foraging work ants are killed by residual treatments,
the colony will split to ensure at least part of it survives. As a result,
most treatments simply speed the spreading of these ants. A professional
exterminator, such as Terminix,
has special baits that are effective in treating this ant.
White Footed Ants: These black ants are
a serious pest in Florida and Hawaii. Because they do not respond to baits,
regular inspections and service are critical to preventing their spread.
Ant Prevention
Ants are everywhere, but a few simple tips will help keep them out of
your house:
- Eliminate piles of lumber, bricks, or debris.
- Keep landscape mulch to a minimum of two inches.
- Seal outside cracks.
- Avoid landscaping with plants that attract aphids to reduce the presence of carpenter and Argentine ants.
- Seal all plumbing and roof leaks.
- Do not allow water to pool near your foundation.
To control problem ants in your home, schedule a free pest
evaluation from Terminix.
|
To control problem ants in your home, schedule a free pest evaluation
from Terminix.
|
|
