Ants are social insects of the family Formicidae - along with the related wasps and bees - they belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants are social insects. They cooperate with their nest mates to maintain a caste system of individuals that perform specific tasks. They may be tiny, but they can cooperate to an amazing degree. Ants live in colonies made up almost entirely of non-mating female workers whose job is to gather food, build the nest, and look after the egg-laying queen and her young. More than 10,000 known ant species are found around the world. Ants are the only animal besides humans that farms their food. Ants use their keen senses to communicate with colony members, and use a scent for guiding themselves and communicating with one another. They leave a trail of odorous pheromones so that their fellow colonizers can also find the food or water source. Contact us at Rice Lake Wisconsin pest control if you need to get rid of an ant problem in your home or business.
Ants: More than just a Pest
Ants also provide a vital function in the ecosystem - it is only when their populations get out of hand that they become a problem. They till the soil, dispose of the dead and rotting, weed out the slow and the weak, create habitats where other insect species are dependant on, and provide food for many thousands of species of animals. Ants also form symbiotic relationships with other insects and animals, like the aphids. The ants feed off sweet tasting aphid excrement called "honeydew", and in turn the ants harbor the aphids to protect them from predators like ladybugs and help them grow their colonies, which means more food for the ants. Some ant species also disperse seeds, some are important predators of insects, some tropical species are important herbivores.
Nevertheless, it is possible to identify some of the most common species of household ants without a microscope. Each ant has a specific job: queen, soldier, worker or drone, but they can all unite to defend the colony, swarming over attackers. A few ants sting, including native fire ants and harvester ants, which are primarily outdoor species and are one of the most common stinging ants in America. Another species, the Yellow Crazy ant, is capable of forming so-called supercolonies that house multiple queens. The ants can be grouped into three categories: house-infesting ants, yard-infesting ants, and carpenter ants.
Ants: More than just a Pest
Ants also provide a vital function in the ecosystem - it is only when their populations get out of hand that they become a problem. They till the soil, dispose of the dead and rotting, weed out the slow and the weak, create habitats where other insect species are dependant on, and provide food for many thousands of species of animals. Ants also form symbiotic relationships with other insects and animals, like the aphids. The ants feed off sweet tasting aphid excrement called "honeydew", and in turn the ants harbor the aphids to protect them from predators like ladybugs and help them grow their colonies, which means more food for the ants. Some ant species also disperse seeds, some are important predators of insects, some tropical species are important herbivores.
Nevertheless, it is possible to identify some of the most common species of household ants without a microscope. Each ant has a specific job: queen, soldier, worker or drone, but they can all unite to defend the colony, swarming over attackers. A few ants sting, including native fire ants and harvester ants, which are primarily outdoor species and are one of the most common stinging ants in America. Another species, the Yellow Crazy ant, is capable of forming so-called supercolonies that house multiple queens. The ants can be grouped into three categories: house-infesting ants, yard-infesting ants, and carpenter ants.
Ants are located all over the world and can be destructive to food and property. Ants are troublesome pests that can easily find entry into houses and bite unsuspecting people or pets. Ants are easy to identify because they have three distinct body regions: a heart-shaped head with large jaws and elbowed antennae, a smooth round midsection, and a ridged tail end. Because of their size, population, and highly evolved social nature, ants are very difficult to control.
Ants are attracted by the desire to find food or water, so you should be alert to the need to store food carefully and create barriers that prevent ants even from realising that they have treats available. Dead insects can also attract large numbers of ants, so check window sills and other areas where they may accumulate. They typically eat nectar, seeds, fungus, or insects. Although ants play important roles in nature, they don't belong in people's homes.
Getting rid of Ants
Ants are one of the easiest pests to kill without the use of chemicals. Removing ants by using natural methods will not put your health in danger. Ants are not fond of scents like garlic and camphor. You can mix some in a vinegar solution and spray it around doorways and other areas they frequent, to repel these tiny workers. You can also try pouring a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a damp cloth and rubbing it over clean surfaces in your kitchen and pantry to prevent ants from invading your kitchen.
Make a habit of sweeping up crumbs right away. They do, however, feed on other foods including meats, dairy products, pastries, fruits, animal fats, and vegetable oils, as well as on dead or live insects. To keep ants out of your house, locate and seal their points of entry. Along with making sure all of the counters are wiped down with soap and water and are not left sticky.
If ants continue to be a problem despite the steps taken by you to control them, you should consider contacting a professional pest control company to treat the ant infestation. Whatever species of ant you might have, we have methods to remove them.
Ants are attracted by the desire to find food or water, so you should be alert to the need to store food carefully and create barriers that prevent ants even from realising that they have treats available. Dead insects can also attract large numbers of ants, so check window sills and other areas where they may accumulate. They typically eat nectar, seeds, fungus, or insects. Although ants play important roles in nature, they don't belong in people's homes.
Getting rid of Ants
Ants are one of the easiest pests to kill without the use of chemicals. Removing ants by using natural methods will not put your health in danger. Ants are not fond of scents like garlic and camphor. You can mix some in a vinegar solution and spray it around doorways and other areas they frequent, to repel these tiny workers. You can also try pouring a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a damp cloth and rubbing it over clean surfaces in your kitchen and pantry to prevent ants from invading your kitchen.
Make a habit of sweeping up crumbs right away. They do, however, feed on other foods including meats, dairy products, pastries, fruits, animal fats, and vegetable oils, as well as on dead or live insects. To keep ants out of your house, locate and seal their points of entry. Along with making sure all of the counters are wiped down with soap and water and are not left sticky.
If ants continue to be a problem despite the steps taken by you to control them, you should consider contacting a professional pest control company to treat the ant infestation. Whatever species of ant you might have, we have methods to remove them.