Ants: Information and resources

Some species of ants bite. All ant species have mandibles on the front of their heads that are used to tear apart food and take it back to their nest. Certain species of ants will use these mandibles to bite if they feel threatened, like the red imported fire ants and carpenter ants.

Ants are usually entering your home through small openings, cracks in the foundation, drains, holes or openings in exterior walls made for venting or cables, or underneath doorways. Check these areas for frequent ant activity and ant trails.

A trained professional can also find the places where ants are getting in or likely to get in. Then they'll provide a treatment plan to get rid of the nest and prevent further infestations.

Vinegar could potentially kill ants if sprayed directly on them, however, there wouldn’t be much efficacy in terms of a residual that will kill the ants. Vinegar actually has a pretty weak chemical bond, so it really does not leave much residue after it evaporates.

Also, since vinegar is a diluted acetic acid, we do not recommend spraying it on surfaces such as natural stone, waxed wood, hardwoods, cast iron, or aluminum, as it could damage or stain the finish.

Ants communicate using smells and scents called pheromones, so any product that would disrupt their pheromone trails would be something that ants wouldn’t like.

Smells that deter ants can vary widely depending on the species. Some DIY solutions can actually exacerbate existing problems. However, any product that "may" repel ants will not last long as a residual. The best solution when dealing with ants is the use of baits, so contacting a pest control provider as soon as possible is key!

The best way to get rid of ants in your house is to work with us to have them removed. The ants that you see in your home are only 1%-5% of the entire ant colony, so DIY methods will not eliminate the entire infestation. Most DIY methods only work to remove the ants temporarily, and before you know it, you’ll have ants coming back into your home.

Our ant removal methods will get to the root of the problem. Your specialist will find where ants are entering your home and where they are nesting. They will then work to remove the entire colony, leaving your house ant-free.

• Highly social insects: Ants live in large colonies that can include thousands of members, each with a specific role, including workers, soldiers, and the queen.

• Remarkable strength: Ants can carry 10-50 times their body weight, depending on the species. This strength helps them transport food and nest-building materials.

• Communication through pheromones: Ants communicate primarily by releasing pheromones, which help guide other ants to food sources and alert them to danger.

• Complex lifecycles: Ants undergo complete metamorphosis, developing from egg to larva, pupa, and adult, with the entire cycle taking up to 60 days.

• Diverse diets: Ants are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including sweets, proteins, and plant matter, which makes them highly adaptable to various environments.

Ants are extremely active and organized creatures. Worker ants spend their days foraging for food, creating and maintaining nests, caring for larvae, and protecting the colony. They follow pheromone trails left by others to find food sources and bring sustenance back to the nest. While workers handle the essential tasks of the colony, the queen focuses on laying eggs to ensure the colony’s growth and longevity. The highly coordinated activities of ants ensure the survival and success of their colony.

Ants are drawn primarily to food and moisture sources. They can be especially attracted to sugary foods, including fruit, honey, and household spills. Improperly stored food and food residue left on countertops or floors can attract ants. Moist environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, provide the conditions that some ant species, like odorous house ants, prefer. Pet food, garbage, and even small crumbs are strong attractions for foraging ants looking to support their colony.

Ants have a broad and adaptable diet, as most are omnivores. They consume sugary substances like honeydew from aphids and are particularly drawn to human foods like sugary foods, fats, and proteins. Protein sources, including small insects, help support colony growth and development. While the diet varies by species, ants generally forage for whatever food is most accessible, making them versatile feeders capable of adapting to different habitats and food availability.