Ants are an extremely common insect and a building block for many local ecosystems.

They play several important roles, such as redistributing organic matter, aiding in the formation of fertile soil, and providing sustenance for larger critters. The resourcefulness of ants stems from their ability to carry items thousands of times their own body weight. However, what makes ants so incredible can often lead to larger issues for humans. Here’s what you need to know about these common insects and what to look out for.   

What is an Ant Colony?

Ants constantly work together to achieve goals, such as gathering food for the colony., A colony is an interconnected family of ants who all play a part to keep each other alive. 

How to Find an Ant Colony 

Ant colonies can be difficult to find, but there are a few tell-tale signs that there may be one colony nearby. Ants have individual roles within the colony. Male ants primarily protect the queen and reproduce to grow the network, while worker ants gather food and other useful items for the rest of the colony. If you spot an ant carrying out its duties, you may be able to find a trail of other ants, which would likely lead to the discovery of the colony. Depending on the species of ant, it’s possible you could find an ant-hill, in which the tunnels and burrows of the colony are directly below. In other cases, like with carpenter ants, the colonies might be embedded in the walls of your home, or in the home’s foundation, concealed by other home structures. 

Why are Ants Bad? 

Ants may seem harmless, but don’t let their appearance fool you. Ants can infest your outdoor spaces, making them uninvited guests to outdoor gatherings and playtime in the yard. In addition, certain ant species such as the Fire Ant, can cause physical harm to humans. Their bites can cause burning, itching, even rashes for those who are susceptible. Carpenter ants tend to nest inside homes, which could lead to extreme structural damage. Grass and other yard plant health is also threatened by ant infestations around your home.

Eliminating the Ant Colony 

There are several home remedies to an ant infestation, but none amount to the diligent treatment by Pro Staff. 

Some common ways to get rid of ants include: 

• Boiling water: Great way to deal with a colony you have located, floods the colony and destroys the mound. 
• Spraying the colony: A mix of borax, dish soap, and water sprayed into the colony can poison the ants and kill them. 
• Citrus: Ants hate citrus, so spreading around leftover lemon and orange rinds can repel them.  

Although these are some simple solutions, no natural countermeasure can conquer the issue like Pro Staff. We have professional techniques and resources for eliminating ants so you and your loved ones can enjoy your outdoor spaces again. To schedule an appointment you can call: 515-279-PEST (7378).