WHAT ARE ANTS?
Ants are six legged social insects found almost anywhere on the planet. There are 455 types of ants in North America alone, identifiable by their elbowed antennae and a distinctive node-like structure that forms a slender waist. There are some types of ants that fly, known as Alates, however the majority are wingless.
Ants prefer cool and damp locations and live in large and complex colonies that can consist of millions. Ants build many different types of homes: some make simple little mounds out of dirt or sand; others use small sticks mixed with dirt and sand to make a stronger mound that offers protection from rain. Some ants also live in wood, like termites. Ants eat a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, dead insects, other ants and more, depending on the type of ant.
A single queen ant can live for up to 30 years and can lay millions of eggs over her lifetime. Eggs usually develop into full adult ants over an 8 to 12 week time-frame.
ODOROUS HOUSE ANTS
1/16″ – 1/8″ long
Brown or black
6 legs, segmented oval body
PAVEMENT ANTS (WORKERS)
1/16″ to 1/8″ long
Dark brown to black, lighter legs and antennae
6 legs, stinger, parallel lines on head and thorax
CARPENTER ANTS
5/8″ long
Solid black or brown/black and orange
6 legs, smooth curved thorax
What do I look for?
The presence of live or dead ants
Ant mounds or holes in wood
Large amounts of sand near structural cracks and crevices
Taking a clear photo or trapping a specimen sample is key to being able to identify the species of ant.
In addition, it is important to investigate from where the ants are originating and how they are accessing your living space. In many cases, trimming back bushes and branches near windows is key to effective elimination of an ant problem.
Bee-Z Pest Control Ant Solutions
At Bee-Z Pest Control, we realize that because of their diversity, there is no one single solution for how to get rid of ants. Bee-Z Pest Control offers customized and comprehensive plans to eliminate ants from the interior and exterior of residences, corporate and commercial spaces.
If you suspect that you might have ants or are at risk for ants, contact us to discuss further treatment.