Ants are considered a nuisance pest. They present a frustrating problem in the spring and summer when worker ants leave the nest in search of food and lay down trails of pheromones that other colony members follow resulting in a never-ending line of ants until the food is gone or access to the trail is blocked. Ants such acrobat ants, black ants, citronella ants, odorous ants, pavement ants and carpenter ants all commonly found throughout the Newtown area and are known to gain entry into human habitations. More than a mere nuisance, ant infestations are responsible for many serious cases of food poisoning each year. Additionally, some species, like that of the carpenter ant, are destructive toward property.
This makes the intervention of a professional exterminator imperative in these situations.
WHAT DO ANTS LOOK LIKE?
The most distinguishing characteristic of acrobat ants is their habit of lifting their heart-shaped abdomens over their heads. Measuring about one-eighth of an inch, members of the species are equipped with stingers. Black and brown are common colors.
While black ants are nearly always black, there may be brown individuals found in any colony. Tiny at approximately one-sixteenth of an inch, these insects have a segmented pedicel and an unevenly rounded profile.
Citronella ants are distinctive thanks to their yellow or amber coloring as well as the scent of lemons that they give off when crushed. Workers generally measure between one-eighth and three-sixteenths of an inch. Black or brown odorous ants are similarly sized when compared to citronella ants. They get their name from the smell of rotting coconut that they emit when they are crushed.
Pavement ants generally are black or brown, and most workers reach about one-eighth of an inch long. This species may be differentiated from others by their darker bodies and lighter colored legs.
Carpenter ants are the easiest to identify before of their size. Reaching a maximum of five-eighths of an inch, these pests are significantly larger than other local ant species. It is not unusual to see carpenter ants that are black, red or a combination of colors.
WHERE DO ANTS LIVE?
In general, ants prefer to nest in the outdoors. However, they come inside human habitations when there is an opportunity. Carpenter ants are the most likely species to build a nest within a man-made structure. While their activities may be welcome when they inhabit a fallen log or a stump, they cause massive problems when they nest in basements, crawlspaces, attics, woodpiles, fences, decks or railings.
Other ant species prefer to use a burrow underneath a rock while some make use of the hole in a tree. Woodpiles and yard debris piles similarly are likely nesting sites.
Pavement ants and citronella ants prefer to nest adjacent to or beneath paved surfaces. Driveways, sidewalks, patios and stepping stones may serve this purpose. The ants leave behind tiny piles of sandy soil to give away their presence.
WHAT DO ANTS EAT?
Ants have simple dietary requirements for protein and sugar. Certain insects, like mealybugs and aphids, produce a sugary liquid known as honeydew that is a favorite with ants. To obtain protein, most ants eat other insects whether living or dead. Greasy or oily food items also attract the attention of ants.
Because people also eat foods that have protein and sugar or that are oily or greasy, ants find plenty to eat in kitchens and pantries. Pet food commonly is infested, as are meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, butter, jam and honey.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ANTS
In most cases ants are mainly nuisances with little ability to cause damage to homes and businesses. One chief exception to this is that of the carpenter ant, which is capable of causing damage to wooden structures.
ARE ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
While they are capable of biting and stinging, most ants are not a threat to people. Nonetheless, their single-minded determination to exploit a food source can seem aggressive. This behavior will continue until the access point is blocked and the pheromone trail is destroyed.
DO ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Some pests do transmit diseases with bites and scratches, but this is not true of ants. Instead, ants indiscriminately spread illnesses through the distribution of bacteria.
On their quest for food, ants go into animal carcasses, sewers, garbage cans and other unsanitary places. They pick up Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella and other bacteria that may give people food poisoning.
In homes where there is an ant infestation and symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and chills are present, medical care may be required.
HOW TO DETECT ANTS
Signs of an ant infestation include:
• Ants found anywhere inside the house • Ant colonies found adjacent to foundations • Swarms of mating carpenter ants in the spring • Piles of sandy soil found next to paved surfaces
HOW TO PREVENT ANTS
To help prevent ant issues the following steps should be taken:
• Cover or seal holes and cracks in building exteriors • Keep garbage cans clean • Put pet food out only at mealtimes • Trim trees and plants so that they do not touch building exteriors • Immediately put dirty dishes in the dishwasher • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately after they occur • Routinely wipe down kitchen counters and tables • Regularly vacuum and mop kitchen floors • Do not store food on counters or tables • Store all food in glass or metal containers with tight lids
HOW WE TREAT FOR ANTS
Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.
