Ants

What are ants?

Ants are a type of insect and, along with bees and wasps, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants are common intruders of our yards, homes, and businesses, and are easy to identify. Adult ants have three body regions, six legs, and two antennae, as well as chewing mouthparts; reproductive members of the ant colony have wings.

Ants are social creatures that live together in colonies that are divided into three different groups, or castes: workers (sterile females), reproductive, and queens (reproductive females). Found all throughout the United States, there are many different species of ants living in a variety of environments, feeding on a variety of food, and displaying different behaviors.

Are ants dangerous?

The majority of ants that invade our properties are nuisance pests that pose no significant dangers to people; when living inside of our homes and businesses, they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria that they carry on their bodies and legs. They are also difficult to prevent and eliminate once they have decided to make your property their home. Some common species of nuisance ants include acrobat ants, ghost ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants.

Some species of dangerous ants do live throughout our area New Jersey, New York, and South Florida. Dangerous ants are those that cause structural damage, spread diseases, or bite or sting. Examples of dangerous ants in our area include carpenter ants, fire ants, and pharaoh ants.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are sensitive creatures, and any change to their environment will cause them to relocate their nest or colony. Often, their new nesting location is in our yards or even worse inside of our homes. Properties that offer them easy access to food and shelter are the most attractive to ants.

Things like open trash cans, compost piles, gardens, and pet food act as food sources for ants and are usually what initially attracts them to our property. Once ants find food in an area, they often decide to stay and build a satellite nest on your property or inside your home.

Where will I find ants?

Ants will build their nests in a variety of locations, depending on their species. Nesting sites are found underground, inside of wood, under debris, or at ground level. Some prefer dark wooded areas, others like open sunny grassy areas, and still others in the soil within the cracks of pavement or cement.

Ants typically build their primary nesting site outdoors. While they forage for food or to escape harsh weather conditions, they often find their way into our homes and businesses. Their indoor nests are placed in secluded areas like under floors, behind walls, inside of insulation, or above ceilings.

How do I get rid of ants?

Getting rid of ants from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The experts here at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of them and prevent their return. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current infestation or prevent future problems with pests, our family-owned and operated company is here to help.

Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to keep your home or business free of ants and other common pests. Reach out to Amco Pest Solutions today to learn more about our effective home pest control and commercial pest control solutions. Let's work together to protect your New Jersey, New York, or South Florida property from being taken over by ants!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

To make your property less attractive to ants, use the following easy-to-execute prevention tips:

• Cut tree branches and overgrown vegetation away from the exterior of your home.

• Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris so that they will direct water away from your home's exterior.

• Leave a 12 to 18-inch barrier of rock or stone between mulch, soil, or grass and the foundation of your home.

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

• Install weatherstripping around windows and doors.

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

• Repair any leaking faucets, hoses, and pipes.

• Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

Helpful Articles

A Practical Guide To Carpenter Ants In New Jersey

How Do I Tell If The Ants In My New Jersey Home Are Dangerous?