Ant Control Tips

 If you are experiencing an ant problem, identifying the ant species may be of help when trying to choose control methods. In this article, we review how to identify a few main species and control options available.

There are several species of ants that you may encounter invading your home or outdoor area.  Some of the more common types are carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, sugar ants, black ants, house ants, thief ants, odorous house ants, argentine ants, crazy ants, ghost ant, acrobat ant, big headed ant, pavement ant and red imported fire ant.

Carpenter ants in the United States are some of the largest ants and there can be several different types of carpenter ants infesting one home or business at a time.  You will want to look for a black or red black in color and and they are typically about 3/8 to ½ inch in size.  And you will typically see worker ants.

Carpenter ants are polymorphic meaning that the same species can have multiple sizes of workers.  One of the best methods of identifying carpenter ants from other ants, is to look for their specific characteristics.  They will have a waist with only one node and a thorax with an evenly rounded upper surface.

The Argentine Ant is thin and brown and the size of a grain of rice. If you have trouble determining whether or not you have an Argentine Ant, bring a sample to your local extension service and they should be able to tell you.  The Argentine Ant gets protein from eating insects, but prefers the honeydew liquid that is made by aphids, scales, mealy bugs and whiteflies.  You will often find him under boards, stones, tree stumps and potted plants, searching for his favorite meal. The Argentine Ant may begin to move indoors in the fall, as his food sources dwindle during that time. Although it may be difficult to completely eradicate the Argentine Ant, you can discourage him from sharing your immediate space, and from ruling your outdoor living areas. 

One of the most dangerous ants to have invading your home is the Red Imported Fire Ant. When dealing with a fire ant infestation indoors, it is important to utilize all methods of control and be safe about chemical applications.  Fire ants look like ordinary house or garden ants, but have some distinguishing characteristics. They can vary in size within one nest, from 1/16 to 1/5 inch long. Fire ants are dark reddish brown in color on the head and body, with a darker abdomen. Fire ants are extremely aggressive when disturbed, and if one bites you, you’ll know for sure you’ve been bit.

Options for indoor control include products like; gels, baits, dusters and sprays.  Some of the household ants that will be affected by these applications aresugar ants, Pharaoh ants, Cornfield Ants, Argentine Ants.  Gels and baits are good because your chemical pest control is contained to one area and are not spreading the chemicals onto numerous surfaces in your home.

Outdoor ant control may include products such as granules, liquid sprays and baits.  Granules are able to be broadcast or used to treat individual mounds.  Liquid spray insecticides may reduce populations of other nuisance insects in your area. Look for products that can incorporate in insect growth regulator to reduce the resurgence of ants on your property.

How to Protect Your Family From Pesticide Poisoning

With the recent increase in bed bug activity in the US, there has also been an increase in the misuse of chemical treatment applications by homeowners. The CDC reports, “A total of 111 illnesses associated with bed bug–related insecticide use were identified; although 90 (81%) were low severity, one fatality occurred…The most common factors contributing to illness were excessive insecticide application, failure to wash or change pesticide-treated bedding, and inadequate notification of pesticide application. Although few cases of illnesses associated with insecticides used to control bed bugs have been reported, recommendations to prevent this problem from escalating include educating the public about effective bed bug management.”

How can you protect your family from becoming a statistic in pesticide poisoning?

Education: As with all pest control products, the DIY pest controller needs to be educated about the use of both chemical and non chemical methods of control. Your local extension service, internet or pest control specialist can shed light on the many ways to avoid pests in the first place and to limit reoccurrence.

Prevention: Utilize as many prevention measures as possible to reduce your need for chemical applications. Make your home an unwelcome place for household pests by reducing access through cracks and crevices. Limit their access to water and food sources by maintaining good sanitation and checking your home for leaks, even tiny ones.

Early Detection: Be aware of common pests in your geographic region and keep an eye out for signs and symptoms related to infestation. Most all pests have some early warning signs that the educated DIY pest controller can identify. It is easier to handle small areas instead of having to deal with a full scale infestation.

Treat the right pest, the right way: Not all chemicals treat all pests. By using the wrong chemical on the wrong pest, you may only scatter your problem to other areas of your home, creating more work for yourself in the end. If unsure, consult with a professional. Most online pest control suppliers have a “help desk” that you can submit inquiry to.

Read, and I mean READ, Labeling: Many of the pesticide poisonings resulted from persons using pesticides rated for outdoor application indoors.

Do not exceed application rates: The pesticide labeling will tell you what the chemical is rated for and the application rates. More is NOT always better when you are protecting your home and family.

Do not reenter your home too soon after application: Even with the right application rates, give your home time to air out, especially when using foggers. Do not reenter prior to the recommended reentry rates listed on the fogger.

Make sure all fabrics that have received application have dried completely: If you are applying pest control products directly to any fabric surface, the fabrics need to have dried before you come into contact with them.

Keep all pesticides out of reach of animals and children: As with all potentially dangerous chemicals, make sure that they are stored far out of reach of little hands and paws.

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