Ants, known for their social nature, tend to invade spaces in groups. However, you can effectively combat these unwelcome guests by utilizing ant control products and following prevention tips to safeguard your family.
Identifying Different Types of Ants through Distinguishing Features
Different types of ants exhibit a range of sizes and colors, resembling wingless wasps. While only a few ants possess stingers, such as the fire ant, most ants have one or two humps on the slender area between the last two body segments. Additionally, the antennae of different types of house ants have distinct bends or “elbows.”
Assistance in Dealing with Types of Ants
With our entomology lab’s extensive 60-year experience in ant research, we’re here to support you in identifying the types of ants you’re facing. Understanding the origins, food preferences, nesting habits, and, most importantly, effective elimination methods will enable you to eliminate the types of house ants for good.
Gaining Insight into Types of House Ants
Nuisance ants, mound-building ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants are distinct categories worth exploring. While various names like black ants, army ants, and sugar ants may refer to ants in and around your home, the assistance of a professional may be necessary to precisely identify the species. Experts often classify ants based on their behavior, dietary needs, and nesting locations. Ants found in homes and their surroundings can be broadly divided into two main groups: nuisance ants and mound-building ants.
Nuisance Ants
Nuisance ants establish nests both indoors and outdoors. Their colonies are frequently situated near homes, concealed in soil, beneath objects on the ground, or within the home itself. When these ants infiltrate your home, you can typically observe them following an “invisible trail” leading to a food or water source. Eliminating the types of ants and their trail is crucial, as they can infest and contaminate food.
Mound-building Ants
Mound-building ants may venture indoors in search of sustenance but predominantly reside outdoors, creating unsightly mounds in lawns, mulch areas, and along pathways, patios, decks, and foundations. Employing outdoor treatments is vital for controlling mound-building ants effectively.
Fire Ants
Fire ants typically establish nests outdoors and can be identified by their distinctive mounds. They possess a stinger on their abdomen, which they use to inject venom when threatened or when their nest is disturbed. Fire ant stings can be highly painful, and multiple stings may necessitate medical attention.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants construct nests within walls, attics, and water-damaged or decaying wood. They can also nest outdoors in structures like sheds, firewood, decks, tree trunks, gutters, and soffits. Although they do not consume wood, they burrow and tunnel through it, leading to further deterioration. While carpenter ants may bite if handled, their bites are not as agonizing as fire ant stings. Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants feed on various substances such as honeydew, sweets, meats, other insects, and fats. Removing dead or dying trees near your home and repairing water-damaged wood can help prevent carpenter ants from nesting there. It is essential to take care of your surroundings when it comes to the elimination of these types of ants. They are likely to cause a lot of damage; so it is better to nip the problem in the bud.
Also Read: Three ways to keep ant away from home
Wrapping Up
These are the different types of ants that you need to know about. There are mutliple more varieties of ants out there, but those are most likely to be found on the outskirts of a city or tropical rainforests. When it comes to types of house ants, the ones that we have highlighted above are the common ones that you need to know about. But, your search should not end here as you also need to know about the elimination process when these ants enter your property. Do not worry! Pestico is here for you. Be it ant control service, cockroach control service in Kolkata or any similar service related to pest control, Pestico has got your back. We have trained professionals for carrying out superior pest control for all properties alike. Give us a call and watch our professionals quickly respond. Book your desired service as we are ready to help you at your doorstep.