All About Ants | Facts & Types

Posted May 03, 2024

Facts and Information About Ants

Well, it appears that we are not alone in this world. Ants have been named the No.1 nuisance pest by the National Pest Management Association and numerous other surveys. Ants are everywhere! It turns out that these tiny fellas can also be quite annoying; on popular vote, they voted higher than any other sort of critter as most people's least favourite house guest (with rabbits coming in second place).

Ant infestations may quickly become a major issue for homeowners, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. From food poisoning to costly property damage, these pests pose numerous threats not just within your home but also outside on your land, where they are located in picnic areas, along walkways near water supplies, and around the kitchen.
So, you want to avoid an ant infestation? Keep your home dry and tidy by removing any standing water. Remove anything that could serve as a campsite for these tiny fellas, such as unclean leaves in flower beds or overgrown trees on sidewalks!

Types of Ants

Argentine Ants:
The Argentine ant is a little, dark brown bug that lives in homes across America. These ants are native to South America and may usually be found in areas with moist soil or plumbing near their food supply. Unlike other home pests such as roaches, they do not constitute a threat to humans because to their mild nature; nonetheless, if you crush one, it may emit an unpleasant odour due to excrement discarded along its backside, which smells musty like freshwater moss!

Carpenter Ants:
When you see these little fellows, you might think they're ladybirds. They have a similar aspect! However, while carpenter ants have red bodies and black antennas (as do many other insects), there is no similarity to Bugs vs Neti’s bugs, which can occasionally be found near ant trails because their bodies emit poisonous waste as partially chewed food is digested. Carpenter ants enjoy creating their own small worlds. They tunnel through wood and build nests within your home, causing major structural damage to items such as doors and windows if not addressed soon!

Crazy Ants:
When you think of ants, what comes to mind? For some, this could be a hardworking employee or the big guy on campus: aggression. But there's another sort that is more likely to make you feel like you've been run over by your own car: wild ants! These insects have been dubbed "ants with ADHD" because whenever food smells emerges (even if it takes some time), every single individual immediately stops whatever task was previously in progress and begins running around aimlessly, desperately trying to figure out where those tasty treats are located, all without ever actually getting close enough. Crazy ants are uncomfortable little insects who prefer to penetrate homes in the autumn or after heavy rains because both conditions restrict their food supply.Crazy Ants typically nest beneath flooring and carpeting, but they are also commonly found on top of dirt where things meet foundations! The only real danger with this bug is that if they gain entry to your building, things can soon turn bad since these guys spread rapidly through kitchens without even needing sustenance.

Odour House Ants:
Odorous house ants are dark brown to black in colour and measure 1/16-1/8 inch. They live for years in exposed soil or wall cracks, as well as under floors of homes, feeding on food particles. They avoid disruptions from outside sources, such as wind gusts through open windows, as they dislike being moved around.These ants are not harmful to public health or cause structural damage to buildings, but they do taint food and should be avoided. 
Furthermore, when these "odorous" insects are crushed, they release an unpleasant odour, earning them the nickname from time to time!

Pavement Ants:
The dark brown to black ants are roughly an eighth of an inch long and build their homes in or under pavement cracks. They can infest structures by entering through holes that allow them to spread into other regions, which is why this species is called as the "paveway"ant because it enjoys living there so much! However, while black pavement ants do not constitute a public health danger, they can taint food. One strategy to prevent them is to avoid any foods that have been near their nest, as the little guy does not clean up after himself.

Red Imported Fire Ants:
Fire ants are among the most bothersome insects in America. They are dark reddish brown and range in length from 1/8 to 3/4 inch, with this species being found anywhere from Maryland to Texas or California, depending on where you live! The fire ant's habitat also varies; some keep their traditional outdoor nest mounds, while others prefer indoor locations such as homes; in either case, they will enter any structure if there is enough room inside for them (which is typically not much). When the red imported fire ant's nest is disturbed, they attack with a painful sting that frequently causes raised welts and white pustules. If you are allergic to insect stings, this may not be beneficial for your health!