Ants are often considered nuisances at home. Beyond the annoyance of food spoilage, certain ant species can pose threats to our structures and health. Reclaiming our living spaces from ants requires understanding their behaviour and a strategic approach to getting rid of them. We explore proven techniques to eliminate ants and regain control of your living space.
See also: How to get rid of mosquitoes at night?
Types of ants
More than 12,000 ant species are worldwide, yet only a handful become household pests. Common species found in homes include carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants and pharaoh ants.
- Red Ants (Oecophylla Smaragdina): Also known as weaver ants, these ants are easily identified by their reddish-brown colour. They are recognised for their distinctive nest-building behaviour, weaving leaves together using silk produced by their larvae.
- Black Garden Ants (Lasius niger): Among the most prevalent ants in gardens and urban areas, these ants are typically black or dark brown and often form large colonies with multiple queens.
- Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): Noted for their larger size, carpenter ants are often black, red or a combination of both. They nest in wood and can be destructive to wooden structures.
- Pharaoh’s Ants (Monomorium pharaonis): These tiny yellow or light brown ants are commonly found in indoor environments, particularly in kitchens and food storage areas. They are known for being challenging to control.
- Pavement Ants (Tetramorium Caespitum): Often found nesting in pavement cracks and sidewalks, these ants are dark brown to black and are known for creating small mounds of displaced soil.
- Thief Ants (Solenopsis Molesta): Characterised by their light colouration, these tiny ants are adept at stealing food from other ant colonies and infiltrating the nests of larger ant species.
- Bullet Ants (Paraponera Clavata): Recognised for their painful sting, these large, reddish-brown ants are found in forested areas and have one of the most painful insect stings, earning them the name bullet ant.
- Harvester Ants (Messor spp.): Known for collecting and storing seeds, these ants are typically found in dry regions and can have a reddish-brown or black colouration.
- Asian Weaver Ants (Oecophylla Smaragdina): Like red ants, Asian weaver ants are recognised for their cooperative nest-building behaviour, using silk to bind leaves together.
- Velvety Tree Ants (Liometopum spp.): These ants often build nests in trees and are characterised by their velvety appearance, varying in colour from reddish-brown to black.
Signs of an ant infestation
- Visible Ants: Large numbers of ants are consistently seen in and around your home.
- Ant Trails: Observable trails along floors, walls or countertops as ants forage for food.
- Small Piles of Frass (Sawdust): Carpenter ants leave piles of sawdust near wooden structures.
- Visible Nests: Depending on the ant species, mounds or nests of varying types.
How to get rid of ants?
- Diatomaceous Earth: Utilise food-safe diatomaceous earth at entry points to dehydrate ants.
- Vinegar Solutions: Disrupt ant trails by spraying white vinegar and water near entry points.
- Essential Oils: Repel ants with scents like peppermint, tea tree or lemon eucalyptus mixed with water in a spray bottle.
- Baking Soda and Sugar: Create a homemade poison bait by combining equal parts baking soda and sugar.
- Lemon: Disrupt ant scent trails using a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
- Cornstarch: Mix with water and pour over ants to drown them.
- Coffee Grounds: Place used coffee grounds on surfaces or where ants gather.
- Spices: Use cinnamon, black or red pepper and mint around baseboards and windows to deter ants.
- Boiling Water: Pour boiling water over outdoor anthills to limit ant numbers.
- Boric Acid: Create a bait using boric acid mixed with tasty or fatty foods.
- Commercial Ant Baits and Traps: Commercial ant baits and traps, easily found in supermarkets, are made with various chemical pesticides intended to destroy ant colonies. These baits draw ants, who are lured to bring the poison back to their nest; after that, the entire colony is eliminated.
Precautionary measures
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean surfaces, sweep floors and seal food storage areas.
- Proper food storage: Store food in airtight containers and refrigerate ripe fruits.
- Seal entry points: Close gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors.
- Limit moisture: Fix leaks promptly and ensure proper drainage.
- Landscaping strategies: Trim vegetation and create barriers to deter ant access.
- Regularly empty trash bins: Keep bins sealed and rinse recyclables.
- Use natural repellents: Employ natural deterrents such as cinnamon, mint, or vinegar.
- Clean pet bowls: Regularly wash pet bowls to remove spilled food or water.
- Store firewood away: Keep firewood away from the home’s foundation.
- Regular inspections: Conduct regular inspections and promptly address signs of ant presence.
FAQs
Why are ants challenging to manage?
Ants’ capacity to form expansive colonies and swiftly locate food sources makes controlling them formidable.
How can I determine the type of ants infesting my residence?
Identifying ant species can be complex, but characteristics like size, colour and nesting habits offer clues. Consulting a pest control professional for accurate identification is advisable.
What role does cleanliness play in preventing ant infestations?
Maintaining cleanliness by regularly wiping surfaces, eliminating food crumbs and storing food in sealed containers denies ants access to potential food sources, reducing the likelihood of infestations.
How do commercial ant baits operate?
Commercial ant baits contain attract ants combined with slow-acting insecticides. Ants are attracted to the appeal, transporting it back to the colony and sharing it.
Can I use DIY methods or hire a professional for ant removal?
DIY remedies can be adequate for minor infestations. However, professional intervention may be necessary for persistent or extensive ant issues.
How can I prevent ants from returning after treatment?
To deter ants from returning, focus on sustaining a clean environment, sealing entry points, and addressing moisture issues.
Are there specific seasons when ants are more prevalent?
Ant activity typically surges during warmer months but can be active year-round. Certain species may be more noticeable in specific seasons, such as spring and summer when they forage for food.
Will eliminating individual ants resolve the issue?
While killing individual ants may offer temporary relief, it does not address the root cause of the infestation. Effectively eliminating ants requires targeting the entire colony, disrupting communication, and implementing preventive measures.
Are there pet-friendly approaches to ant control?
Many natural remedies, such as essential oils or diatomaceous earth, are pet-friendly. However, it is necessary to read product labels and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
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