Ants are one of the most successful groups of insects. They are social insects that live in colonies which are usually located in the ground, but may enter buildings for shelter and/or food. Ants feed on practically every kind of food, but those entering homes and offices are looking for sweets and/or protein-containing substances.

About 700 species of ants occur in the United States and Canada. Of these, only about 25 species commonly infest homes and offices.

Pest ants are usually divided into two groups based on their typical nesting preferences, either wall-nesting or ground-nesting ants. The biology and habits of each species are different, so a detailed knowledge of these for each species is necessary by your pest management professional for effective control. The five most common wall-nesting ants are the carpenter ant, crazy ant, odorous house ant, Pharaoh ant, and the thief ant. The most commonly encountered ground-nesting ants are the Argentine ant, pavement ant, velvety tree ant, and fire ants.

Now that you’re all educated, you may feel tempted to tackle the next invasion. Please, leave it to the pest management professionals; they possess the tools and knowledge needed for effective control.

Below are some non-chemical control methods you can implement for your properties. Incorporating these methods in landscaping and building maintenance plus regular pest control service will equal successful control. Remember – commercial pest control is only one part of this equation and in most ant situations some type of non-chemical control measure is also required.

Exclusion, Sanitation and Landscapes

• Seal cracks and crevices around the exterior of foundations. Ants prefer to make trails along structural elements, such as wires and pipes, and frequently use them to enter and travel within a structure to their destination. Indoors, eliminate cracks and crevices wherever possible, especially in kitchens and other food preparation and storage areas.

• Store attractive food items such as sweets and proteins in closeable containers. Thoroughly clean kitchens and other food preparation and storage areas. Do not store garbage indoors. Situate a dumpster at least 35 feet away from the structure.

• Look for indoor nesting sites, such as potted plants. If ants are found, remove the containers from the building, then submerge the pots for 20 minutes in standing water that contains a few drops of liquid soap.

• Ant nests may be associated with plants that support large populations of honeydew-producing insects. Avoid planting such trees and shrubs next to buildings. Trim branches and limbs of trees and shrubs that touch the building to keep ants from gaining access via these routes. Provide a dry, vegetation-free border, such as gravel or stones, around the perimeter of foundations to discourage nest building; wood chip mulches and low-leveled bushy plants provide a good nesting environment. Remove vegetation that consistently hosts ants and is adjacent to buildings.