Life Cycle

Ants are social insects. They live in colonies in which one or more queens produce eggs. The eggs hatch after a few days into small larvae (immature forms) that are cared for by worker ants. After a few weeks the larvae spin a cocoon to pupate. The pupal stage is when the ants change from their larval form to an adult. When they emerge from the cocoon, most ants will be workers. Normally after a colony is several years old, some of the new adults will have wings. These flying ants are called swarmers. Swarmers fly away from their home colony, mate, and find a suitable location to begin new colonies. Ant swarmers can be found throughout the year when temperatures are mild, but usually they are observed in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, ant swarmers are sometimes confused with termites. Winged termites are also often referred to as swarmers. Swarmer ants and termites can be easily told apart by looking for a few obvious characteristics. Ants have elbowed antennae (antennae with a bend), while termites have straight antennae. Termites have a broad waist between the thorax (chest) and abdomen, while ants have a slender waist. Termites have four wings of equal length, while ants have wings of unequal lengths.

Habits

Ants enter buildings in their search for food. Most ants feed on the same foods that humans do. Some types of ants are attracted to greasy foods, while others prefer sweets. Whichever type they are, when workers locate the food that their colony likes, they will lay down a chemical signal as a trail for other workers to follow to the source of the food. This is why large numbers of ants can be observed in the same spot.

Control

Effective ant control requires a multifaceted approach that includes a combination of habitat alteration and toxic baits or sprays.

Habitat alteration means changing the environment so that it is less appealing to the worker ants. This can include simple changes, like storing food in sealed containers, keeping fruit in the refrigerator, washing dirty dishes and keeping countertops clean. Other changes may take more effort, like caulking around windows and doors, having adequate screening and reducing outdoor sites where ants can have colonies.

Toxic baits and sprays are good tools to use for ant control. Ant sprays applied to cracks and crevices will help control ants for a short time. Never spray entire floors, walls, counter tops, or the insides of drawers or cabinets. The most effective control will be achieved with the use of toxic baits designed for ants. Workers ants will feed on the bait and take it back to share with the rest of the colony. Because the baits are slow-acting, the workers have enough time to return to the colony to feed others before they die. Ant baits are available in small stations and can be purchased from most discount and grocery stores. Place ant bait stations where you can see ants but away from children and pets. Bait stations should not be sprayed or moved when ants are feeding.

 

Follow the links below to identify an ant.

Argentine Ant  - Carpenter Ant  -  Crazy Ant - Acrobat Ant - Big-Headed Ant - Little Black Ant Pharaoh Ant - Red-Imported Fire Ant - Thief Ant