Ant Identification & Prevention

What are ants?

Ants are the largest, most ecologically diverse, and recognizable group of social insects. Because ants are insects, they have three body segments and six legs. Ants also have constricted waists and bent antennae; only the reproductive members have wings. In some species of ants, all members of the colony (workers, males, and queens) are the same size. In other species, workers will have specific characteristics that suit the unique requirements of their colony.

Ants live and work together in large groups, and each species can have a different appearance, food preference, and nesting habits. Pheromones play an important role in an ant colony; ants use pheromones to communicate with each other and lead colony members to food sources.

Are ants dangerous?

Most house invading ants are nuisance pests, but some can create significant problems. Species considered dangerous spread disease, bite or sting, or nest inside structural wood. Harmful or not, no ant species should live inside homes or businesses where they can contaminate food, nest in hard-to-reach places, and are tricky to find and eliminate.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Like most insects and household pests, ants are opportunistic and won’t pass up easy access to food, water, or shelter that our homes and businesses provide. The following attracts ants to our properties:

• Compost and trash bins

• Gardens

• Fallen trees, woodpiles, and dense vegetation

• Outdoor eating areas

• Clogged gutters

• Moist, loose soil

Where will I find ants?

Ants create their central satellite nest outside, usually in damp soil under fallen trees, mulch, along fence lines, under woodpiles, and next to foundations and sidewalks. During the day, ants often wander around driveways, gardens, yards, and sidewalks foraging for food. If you're worried about ants on your property, there are some places to look for where they might be getting in.

Since ants often create their outdoor nests in locations close to homes and other structures, they find their way indoors while searching for food or while trying to escape harsh weather. Entry points include:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Spaces around windows and doors

• Vents

• The gaps around wires and other utilities

Indoors, they nest in hard-to-reach locations like inside insulation, crawl spaces, behind walls, near pipes, and heating systems.

How do I get rid of ants?

If you are looking for pest control in the Charlotte area, turn to the local and experienced pest professionals at Aruza Pest Control. We offer home and business owners the benefits of comprehensive pest control, superior customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed services. Our eco-friendly solutions solve current pest problems and keep them from returning. For home and business owners who want to protect their property from ants, contact Aruza Pest Control today!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent ants on your property:

• Plant gardens as far away from the outside of your home or business as possible.

• Remove trash from your property and wash dirty dishes daily.

• Inside, store food in the refrigerator or airtight containers.

• Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

• Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.

• Eliminate excess moisture from in and around your property.

• Repair any cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your property.

• Always keep tight-fitting or locking lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.