Ant Colonies /Nests and Behavior

Ants are Social Insects

Ants are social insects, living together in colonies. Their colonies range in size from a couple hundred to millions. There are several kinds, or "species," of ants. Within each species there are usually many different types. Ants are some of the most successful insects .

Ant Colonies

Ant colonies include one or more queens, as well as workers, eggs, larvae, and pupae. The queen's main job is to lay eggs. The eggs hatch into grub-like larvae that later change into adult "worker" ants. The worker ants maintain their developed structures known as nests.

Ant Nests

Nests protect the ants against their enemies, offer some protection against extremes of weather, and often are placed close to water and food sources. Some ant species nest in the ground, oftentimes under concrete or slabs. Some species are found in wood, such as fence posts, dead logs, hollow trees, or within buildings.

Termites are also found in wood, but their damage will be a lot more extensive. Ants cannot eat wood as do termites because they can't digest cellulose.

Swarmers-Winged Ants

Ant colonies will produce winged ants called "swarmers". These winged ants leave the nest in order to to mate and start new colonies. If you have a swarm of ants starting inside a home, it may be a signa that a nest is within the building.

Click on the ants to the left for more information on identification, pictures, habits, and recommended products and procedures.

You will find descriptions and recommendations for control of the more common household ants such as the the: Argentine Ants , Carpenter Ants,Red Fire Ants, Ghost Ants,Odorous House Ants ,Pavement Ants and Leaf Cutter Ants.

Behavior

All ants (small and large )live in colonies.Their colonies consist of an egg-laying female/s (queen or queens),short-lived males,and workers (sterile females).The ants you see foraging in your garden or kitchen are workers. It is the job for these worker ants to forage and lay down a trail pheromone that tells other worker ants where to find the food.

Termites also develop wings and swarm during the spring and look similar to flying ants. Ants are thin-waisted and have elbowed antennae. Termites have thicker waists and have antennae that resemble strings of tiny beads. You may need a magnifying glass to examine the antennae.

Ants may choose to feed on sweet foods, protein foods or greasy foods.

They invade homes for these food substances.