An
introduced, soil-nesting species of ants, is widely believed that pavement ants
were transported to the U.S. in the holds of European merchant vessels during
the 1700s to 1800s. The ships were filled with soil to provide weight on the
overseas voyage. Once in port, the soil was removed, and replaced with goods to
carry back across the Atlantic.
The
diet of pavement ants includes a wide range of different food sources, as the
insects are known for eating virtually anything available. Pavement ants feed
on subterranean termites and other soil-dwelling insects, nuts and seeds,
bread, meats, grease, and sweets like honey and sugar. The indiscriminate
insects travel as far as 30 feet from the nest to forage and leave a chemical
trail that leads other members of the colony to the food source.
Sugar
ants Reproduce in large numbers
Like
many other ant species prevalent in seattle washington, pavement ants produce
winged males and females that emerge in the spring to mate. Also known as
swarmers, the winged ants are exclusively responsible for reproducing and
creating new colonies. After mating, winged females look for a suitable place
to lay eggs and establish a colony. The newly mated queens typically lay the
eggs in soil protected by pavement, concrete, or rocks. Pavement ants generally
take about two or three months to complete all stages of development. While
reproductive swarming naturally occurs in the spring, colonies living in and
around heated indoor spaces may produce swarmers and mate at any time
throughout the year. The life expectancy of a typical adult worker pavement ant
is several years.
While
sugar ants are not known to cause structural damage or major health problems,
the ease and frequency with which the insects enter homes in seattle washington
can become a nuisance to area residents. Because of their willingness to eat
almost anything, sugar ants can contaminate and ruin a variety of pantry
staples and other food items when foraging. The chemical trails created by
foraging sugar ants enable the rest of the colony to locate the food source,
resulting in the emergence of unsightly hordes/trails of ants and causing
further contamination. Throughout the year, indoor nests of pavement ants can
produce winged reproductives that swarm by windows and other light sources,
creating an unwelcome sight and potentially forming new colonies in or in areas
around a structure.
The
presence of foraging workers or reproductive swarmers flying around or inside
is a strong indicator of a sugar ant infestation, especially during colder
months. Small piles of soil particles that look like sand also indicate the
existence of a sugar ant colony, as the insects push dirt and debris out the entrance
of the nest as they construct or expand the underground colony. The piles are
commonly found straddling cracks in the driveway or sidewalk.
Because
sugar ants often live beneath the foundation of a house, homeowners need to
make sure that all external cracks and other small openings are tightly sealed.
Residents should also keep potential nesting sites, like piles of leaves and
wood, safely away from the house. Kitchen areas within the home should remain
free of crumbs, grease, and standing water. Homeowners also need to store food
items in sealed canisters, rinse out food and beverage containers before
throwing them away, and take the trash out on a regular basis. If an
infestation problem arises, contact a pest control specialist with
the ability to identify the ant species and implement an effective course of
action.
Exclusionary
measures are the best treatment for sugar ants whose nests are located
outdoors. Sealing all cracks and crevices with caulk will eliminate the
entrances used by foragers, keeping them outside. A vigorous application of
rubbing alcohol will also remove any remnants of the ant’s pheromone trails,
and further foraging can be discouraged by promptly storing or disposing of
greasy and sweet foods.
Nests
that are either inside the home or in other problematic locations can be
treated using baiting systems. These pesticides should be used with care, away
from children and pets; they deliver a slow acting poison to foraging ants,
which when returned to the nest, spreads throughout the colony and will
eventually exterminate all ants.
Published by Ampm Exterminators. . #Ants Control #Killing Ants #Ants in House #Red Ants with Wings #Belleuve Ants Control #Carpenter Ants
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