What are ants?
Ants are social insects, they live together in large colonies, with the members of their colony divided into three different castes: workers, queens, and reproductive males. Workers are the heart of the colony. They are sterile females and are responsible for maintaining and protecting the colony, caring for the developing ants, and gathering food for the colony. Worker ants are the ants you see out in large numbers wandering around in your yard, on the sidewalk, and inside of your kitchen.
The queen’s sole job is to lay the eggs that expand the colony and ensure its success. Queens are usually the largest members of the colony. The reproductive males have the sole job of mating with the queen, sometimes dying right after mating.
several odorous house ants eating sugar on a counter surface inside a home
No matter the caste or species of ant, they all share some general characteristics. All ants are typically black, red, yellow, brown, or a combination of those colors, and they have three body segments with bent antennae and narrow, constricted waists. The reproductive males and queens are the only members of the colony that have wings.
Are ants dangerous?
Depending on the species, ants do have the potential to be dangerous to people and our properties. Most ants that we deal with are nuisance pests and aren’t harmful to people, but some species of ants can pose a problem for us. Some will damage the structure of our homes, others may spread diseases that make us ill, and still, others can deliver painful stings or bites.
Ants invade in large numbers, are frustrating to deal with, and contaminate food. At the first sign of ants in or on your property, it is best to consult with a professional who will provide the services needed to get rid of the infestation completely.
Why do I have an ant problem?
Initially attracted to your yard or property by food, ants can quickly take over. The more sources of food you have available for them to eat, the more likely it is that they will find their way onto your property. Ants gather food for their colony from trash cans, compost, pet food, and gardens. They also take advantage of food debris they discover on decks, porches, and other outdoor eating areas. It is then common for ants to build nesting sites on properties where there’s food.
Where will I find ants?
Ants live in a variety of places, both outside or inside homes and other structures. Depending on their species, ants nest in the soil, inside pieces of wood, under piles of debris, or right at ground level. Other nesting areas include in the cracks of pavement, in the soil next to foundations, or inside of trees.
Those that create nests inside buildings usually place them in quiet, hard to reach areas like under floors, in wall voids, in crawlspaces, above ceilings, or behind large appliances. Ants move inside homes and other structures through cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, and areas around windows and doors.
How do I get rid of ants?
Let the professionals at Old School Pest Control get rid of ants from your New York property. We put our customers first and will take the time to get to the root of your pest problem. Our ant control solutions work to eliminate existing pests and will protect your New York property from future ones.
We are a local company, and so have a good understanding of the pest pressures that home and business owners face each day in and around Saratoga County. If you are ready to learn more about protecting your New York residential or commercial property from ants, reach out to Old School Pest Control today!
How can I prevent ants in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, prevent problems with ants by implementing the following prevention tips:
- Seal up cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your house.
- Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Replace loose or torn window screens.
- Seal up cracks in the driveway or sidewalk.
- Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, excess woodpiles, and piles of debris from your yard.
- Keep tight-fitting or locking lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.
- Reduce moisture levels and standing water in and around your home.
- Pick up uneaten pet food.
- Keep food in the refrigerator or airtight containers, never on counters or tables.
- Vacuum floors, wipe down counters, and wash dishes daily.