Ants

Understanding Ants & How to Control Them

What Are Ants?

Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies. While many ant species are harmless and even beneficial, some become pests when they invade homes, gardens, and commercial spaces searching for food, water, and shelter. Common pest ants include odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants.

Why Ant Control Is Important

Nuisance: Ants invade kitchens, pantries, and food preparation areas, contaminating food and surfaces.
Property Damage: Carpenter ants can damage wood structures by hollowing them out to build nests.
Painful Bites: Fire ants deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Rapid Spread: Ant colonies grow quickly, making infestations hard to control if ignored.

Effective Ant Control Solutions

Identify the Species

Different ants require different control methods; proper identification is key.

Baiting

Using ant baits allows ants to carry poison back to the colony, targeting the source.

Direct Treatment

Sprays and dusts applied to trails, nests, and entry points provide quick relief.

Seal Entry Points

Blocking cracks, crevices, and openings prevents ants from entering buildings.

Sanitation

Keeping areas clean and free of food crumbs removes attractions that lure ants inside.

Professional Monitoring

Licensed pest control experts track and manage ant activity to prevent reinfestations.

Fun Facts About Ants

Ant Communication: Ants communicate using chemicals called pheromones to leave trails and signals.
Colony Sizes: Some colonies contain millions of ants working together seamlessly.
Carpenter Ants: Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood but hollow it out to build nests.
Queens Rule: An ant colony usually has one or more queens whose job is to lay eggs continuously.