Ants represent a large portion of the insect kingdom. Outdoors they assist in the decomposition of organic matter and help control many insect pests. But indoors, ants quickly become a nuisance. This guide answers common ant questions and includes a glossary of common prevention methods.
The Facts on Ants
Here are some estimates and hard facts about insects from the Smithsonian:
- 30 million different insect species exist.
- 124 million insects can exist in an acre of land (measure to a depth of 5").
- 10 quintillion (that's 19 zeroes) insects are currently alive on the planet.
- Over 600,000 ants have been found in a single nest.
- Some species of ants are able to lift 20 times their own body weight.
In addition to familiar black ants, there are varieties such as carpenter, wood, honey, fire, leaf cutter, army, pharaoh and crazy ants. The complete list is longer as there are thousands of ant species. But they do have common traits:
Anatomy - Ants have three body parts: head, thorax (trunk) and abdomen. Their six legs are attached to the thorax. Their antennae (or feelers) are used for sensing smells and communicating with other ants.
Social - Ants live in colonies. Outdoors, visible anthills range form small mounds of fine soil to larger, coarser hills. Colonies can also be found in trees and under concrete or stones. Indoors, ants nest in structural wood or in walls. The colony has formed because there is an egg-laying queen ant present. The colony also contains soldiers and workers that travel outside of the nest. Inside the nest are eggs, larvae, pupae, more workers and the queen.
Although debatable, ants are primarily a nuisance rather than truly harmful. There are exceptions (more on fire ants below). Most worker and soldier ants have pincher-like jaws and will bite - no venom, just a sharp pinch. They don’t eat wood (they cannot digest it) but they do remove wood to make their nests, making them a structural concern. Some species coexist with aphids. They protect these plant pests from other predators while feeding on the "honeydew" that aphids produce.
Ants come inside seeking moisture when it's unusually dry or to escape moisture when it's unusually wet. Ants in the home are attracted to sugar, starch and meat. Different species have different preferences. Worker ants leave scented trails (pheromones) to direct other ants of the nest to food sources they have discovered. Some species emit distinctive odors when disturbed or crushed.
Swarming flying ants can be alarming and are often mistaken for termites. Swarming indicates an established nest that has produced a new queen that's ready to leave and start a new colony. One benefit to seeing a swarm indoors or out - it will help you locate the nest.
Flying Ants v. Termites
Correct identification is important. Make sure you’re looking at a flying ant and not a termite.
- Ants have a constricted or narrow waist. Termites have a broader, almost undetectable waist.
- Both have 2 sets of wings. Ants have longer wings in front than in back. Termite wings are the same size.
- Ant antennae are bent. Termite antennae are straight.
The presence of termites can be serious.
If you have any doubts, consult your local Cooperative Extension Office or a licensed exterminator.
Indoor and Outdoor Ant Control
Seeing one or two ants in your home is not a matter of great concern. When you regularly see ten or more, it’s time to take action.
Commercial Ant baits
These are designed to attract foraging ants. When the bait is taken back to the nest, it becomes contaminated. Baits only work if the area they are placed in is clean. Otherwise the ants will continue to feed on “real” food.
Sprays
Sprays provide an immediate knockdown and can help deal with the infestation until the nest or source is eliminated.
Dusts, Powders and Granules
When placed in direct pathways, they are absorbed by ants and brought back to the nests for direct treatment of colonies. Some of these products can be used outdoors as barriers as well.
When dealing with ants, the sure-fire way to eliminate them is to find the nest. Queens lay eggs constantly, providing a steady supply of fresh ants. Getting rid of the nest and the queen should solve your problem. To locate a nest, place a dab of jelly or peanut butter out where you’ve seen the ants. Watch the ants, (most are more active at night) and see where they go. It's likely that they are leaving the house for a nest outdoors. Treat the perimeter of the house to keep them out or treat the nest itself. The area along the foundation is relatively protected from the elements and a good place for ants to nest.
Ants Outdoors
Ants on landscape plants or houseplants often coincide with the presence of aphids. Check houseplants for ants before bringing them indoors.
Anthills in the lawn can be treated with ant-specific pesticides. Some choose to apply boiling water to anthills. While boiling water is a good remedy, it takes a lot of water to kill a good-sized anthill and it kills everything it touches, including grass.
If your problem is carpenter ants, control is a little different. Carpenter or wood-boring ants will be detected by the presence of frass. Frass is a deposit of sawdust and other tiny debris left near the nest. Carpenter ants prefer moist wood (which may also indicate a moisture problem). They do not respond well to baits. Find the nest and apply the appropriate insecticide.
When using pesticides, make sure you choose and use them wisely. Read the label to see if the product is restricted to indoor or outdoor use. Follow all manufacturer's instructions.
Preventing Ants
Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of an ant infestation.
- Keep trees and shrubs from touching your house. These provide a ready avenue for ants to access the home.
- Remove logs and stumps. They are an irresistible housing source.
- Fix moisture sources in and around the house.
- Seal openings (wiring, plumbing) that allow access from the outside. Applying a bead of caulk is an efficient method of protection.
- Keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves.
- Clean kitchens after cooking and eating. Cleaning also removes the pheromone trail left by foraging worker ants.
- Don’t leave food out. An ant's idea of a food source is different than humans. A mere crumb can be a feast, so look closely.
Fire Ants
Fire ants can be very harmful as they disrupt cultivated agricultural areas and endanger livestock. Their mounds interfere with turfgrass maintenance. They are also the most notable and notorious stinging ant, therefore posing a direct human threat. When disturbed, swarming fire ants bite and sting repeatedly and in numbers. These stings at best are quite painful. Children, older adults and those with severe allergic reactions may be at mortal risk.
For treatment, find a product specifically for fire ants and apply as directed. If your infestation is severe, contact a licensed pesticide applicator or you local Cooperative Extension Office for help.
It's quite tempting to "stir up" a mound before applying treatment. But remember that ants are more likely to accept the treatment when it is applied quietly. If fire ants are sufficiently disturbed you will certainly instigate their aggressive behavior. Additionally, their natural response is to move the colony (only to reappear elsewhere on your lawn).
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