Ants
Appearance and Size Facts
- Ants range from the tiny, essentially harmless Ghost ant (also commonly referred to as the sugar ant) to the ferocious and prolific Fire ant that deliver a sting that literally feels like you've touched fire
- Ants have a three-part segmented body, three pairs of legs
- Live in a colony with many other individuals of the same species
- Members of the order Hymenoptera, along with bees and wasps
- All ants are in the family Formicidae, which is divided into a dozen or so subfamilies
Behavior and Habitat of Ants
Ants are social insects. They live in colonies that may include thousands or even millions of individuals. The wingless worker ants are the most common adults seen. However, there are three types of adults: Queens, Males, and Workers. Ants become adults in just a few days to a few weeks. Each ant passes through four distinct growing stages: egg, larva, pupa, and the adult. Ants live a very busy, but short life compared to humans. The average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days. However, they reproduce so quickly that the overall colony just gets larger with time.
Signs of Infestation of Ants
Ant mounds can damage lawns and landscaping, as well as, contaminate food, food preparation areas, and invade pet food bowls when they make their way into your home or business. They may be small, but they make up for their size in numbers; if you spot one ant, be certain there are many, many ants; long trails of ants busily moving back and forth around the food site and the surrounding areas.
Tips for Prevention of Ants
Keep food items secured and pet food off of the floors. Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed 2 foot from the home. Caulk any visible cracks around windows and doors.
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
South Florida Ant Spotlight #2: White Footed and Big Headed Ants
Sep 27, 2021—Ants, Insects, Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
Florida has its fair share of ant pests, such as the White Footed Ant and the Big Headed Ant. These invasive species are widespread here in South Florida. After invading, these exotic ants have thrived throughout Florida and pose a danger to native ants. A nuisance for homeowners, these invasive...
Read More ›
The Signs of Mosquito Breeding Grounds
Sep 10, 2021—Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes, Pest Control
In Florida, mosquitoes are a year-round problem, but the summertime is when Floridians struggle most with these bloodsucking pests. Mosquitoes like warm weather, so Florida is just as much a paradise for them as it is for humans. In the summer, Floridians enjoy backyard activities like cookouts,...
Read More ›
Mosquito Reduction in your Yard: Effective Outdoor Mosquito Control Methods
Aug 31, 2021—Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes
Mosquito control has many methods that together will deliver the best reduction again mosquito bites for the yard. Backyard mosquito control is a major concern for those who want to enjoy their yards and pool without the nuisance of mosquitoes buzzing in their ears and biting them. More than a...
Read More ›
