Ant Control Services

Ants are known to be very social insects. They live in colonies with a leader queen ant as well as worker ants. In fact, most ant species contain four different types of ants: the queen, drones, female workers, and reproductives. The average lifespan of an ant colony varies—fire ant colonies, for example, can live up to seven years! The larger the ant mound, the more mature and large the colony within. Ant colonies can grow to contain tens of thousands of members, and some can even branch into super-colonies wherein multiple nests and colonies cooperate.

Ants are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal matter. Depending on the species and the time of year, they will be attracted to protein, sweet and greasy substances. Spilled foods, crumbs, and pet food left out in the open appeal to ants. Ants also need water to survive, so any excess moisture in kitchens and bathrooms from leaky pipes and faucets will attract them.

Ants live outside in underground nests. When seeking food, water, and shelter ants can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, any gaps or openings in exterior walls, vents drains, or cables. Ants also sneak in underneath garage and exterior doors and through holes in window screens and gaps around windows and doors. Additionally, when scout ants find a food source in your home they will lay down a chemical trail for other ants to follow.

Ants swarm to mate, and during certain times of the year, your home may be invaded by flying ants. These winged ants are called “reproductives”. When a colony is expanding, the reproductives come out of the colony to mate. These flying ants are often confused with termites, however, ants have thinner waists and shorter wings. If flying ants are seen in the home in the winter, it’s an indication that ants are living within the structure. 

Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants will all nest in walls and protective voids in homes, especially during colder weather we experience here in the Midwest. Ants will enter homes through cracks and crevices to access food and moisture resources indoors that they lack outdoors. Once inside your warm walls, they can chew through and damage electrical wiring causing a potential fire hazard.

Although ants do not spread disease from their bites, they do have the ability to harbor and transfer pathogens and disease-producing organisms as they forage for food. Ants carry and can spread bacteria, including Salmonella. Since ants prefer to infest bathrooms and kitchens, they pick up germs and organisms around the toilet and sink areas and can transfer them to food utensils and prep areas in kitchens.

If you spot one ant or a trail of ants in your home, follow the trail to locate their entry point. Entry points can include baseboards along walls, underneath doors, plumbing fixtures, and cabinets. Seal entry points with a silicone-based caulk and spray undiluted vinegar along the trail. Repair leaky plumbing and eliminate food sources by storing foods in containers, cleaning floors, and sanitizing all surfaces. If you are having recurring infestations, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional ant exterminator.