The Homeowner’s Guide to Ant Pest Control

Amazingly cooperative, impressively diligent and annoyingly invasive, ants are interesting and fascinating creatures. There are an estimated 22,000 different species of ants worldwide, and nearly 1,000 varieties live right here in the United States. Ants are incredible insects, capable of organizing complex colonies and social structures. They can survive in a variety of habitats, from forests and fields to inside our homes, where they can develop a damaging infestation.

A common pest found in homes, it’s useful to know ant prevention and control techniques that will keep your family and pets safe.  From their characteristics to their behaviors and habitats, our guide contains a wealth of information about how to co-exist, control and, if need be, get rid of ants simply and safely, with help from Steven Rossetti from Florence Pest Solutions.

What Do Ants Look Like?

Not to be confused with termites, ants are between 1/16-inch and two inches in length with big heads, elongated bodies pinched at the waist, swollen abdomens and six spindly legs. They sport threadlike elbowed antennae, come in colors ranging from white to jet black. Some have wings, and some have stingers. Most people recognize an ant when they see it. Do you?

While you’re at it, also learn how to get rid of sugar ants in your home.

What Are the Different Types of Ants?

According to PestWorld.org, the three most common types of ants in the U.S. are carpenter, odorous and pavement. In warm tropical climates such as in the South and Southwest, you’ll find an abundance of red fire, ghost, and big-headed ants. However, no matter where in the country you live, there are certain things that all ants have in common:

• They build structured nests (hierarchical colonies) with at least one queen;
• Worker ants are wingless, sterile females;
• Male ants (a.k.a. drones) exist for one purpose — reproduction;
• Ants communicate with each other through scent (pheromone) trails;
• Most species forage for food crumbs, but some feed on dead insects, raise aphids or farm fungus.

How to Identify Ants

The first step in fighting an infestation in your home or garden is to know what type of ant you’re dealing with. “Carpenter ants are black and medium-sized,” Rossetti says, “Unlike pavement ants that are pretty tiny and are usually found in the grass or near pavement.” Pavement, or soil ants can be a nuisance if they get into your house looking for water or food, but carpenter ants can be very destructive. “Carpenter ants are the only ones that really are a threat. They nest in wood and the colony gets bigger as time goes on,” Rossetti says. Like termites, carpenter ants can weaken structural wood like support joists and beams if left untreated.

Where Do Ants Live?

Lurking inside cupboards, under rocks and in woodpiles, you’ll find ants almost everywhere — in the city and on the farm. Their nests can be found in above-ground mounds, burrowed in tree trunks or located deep underground, their extensive network of chambers unseen by the casual observer. Possessing an insatiable appetite, if food sources are plentiful, ants won’t hesitate to take up residence in your house or garden.

What Are the Signs That You Have Ants?

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The easiest and most obvious way to know if you have an ant infestation is by sight. If you find live ant trails, especially inside your home, there’s a good chance you have a problem. For certain types of ants, like carpenter ants, you might hear rustling noises in the walls or see wood shavings scattering about.

If you smell rotten coconuts or a distinct musty scent, odorous or citronella ants may have invaded. In the yard, look out for mounds in the garden or holes in your lawn — both can be an indication of an ant infestation.

How to Get Rid of Ants

There are many ways to rid yourself of ants:

• Baits: Easy-to-use stations/traps and stakes are pre-filled for convenience;
• Sprays: Aerosol and pump sprays are short-term solutions that kill ants on contact;
• Gels: Potent gel can be applied directly into cracks and crevices where you see ants;
• Granules: Small pellets for spreading on lawns and around large yards;
• Powders: Ants ingest the fine powder and die;
• Home remedies: Natural and non-toxic, most home remedies are safe around kids and pets.

Experts often recommend mess-free bait stations and stakes because the poison works at the source, killing the queen and her colony. Rossetti likes boric acid as a DIY-friendly solution for ants. “It works as a stomach poison that kills the ant. Mix some with a sugary drink like orange juice and leave in a cup. ” Boric acid can can be toxic if ingested, so skip this treatment around pets or children and handle with care.

Keep in mind that ants can build nests in hard-to-reach places, like inside walls or under foundations. If you suspect an infestation, consider calling in a professional pest control expert right away. A knowledgeable ant exterminator can quickly assess the situation and recommend a method that addresses your particular pest problem.

Ant Safety and Concerns

Many ants sting or bite, but not all. Most of the time bites and stings may be painful (from leafcutters and red fire ants especially) but they are rarely serious. People allergic to bee and wasp stings, however, should take extra precautions when working in the garden near mounds. Pharaoh ants, for instance, are known to carry diseases and should be dealt with at the first sign of infestation.

Most ant repellents and insecticides are made of toxic or poisonous ingredients, so it’s probably best to opt for eco-friendly, organic remedies if kids and animals are about. If you’re not sure how to proceed, contact an ant exterminator for help and advice.

About the Expert

Steven Rossetti is the owner of Florence Pest Solutions in Florence, Massachusetts. He has over 30 years in the pest control industry.