How to get rid of ants

Background.

Ants are social insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the mid-Cretaceous period between 110 and 130 million years ago and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. They are easily identified by their elbowed antennae and a distinctive node-like structure that forms a slender waist.

Species.

More than 12,500 species have been classified, yet ants are still being discovered on a daily basis. The most common house ant referred to as ‘Odorous house ant’ which is usually a worker ant. This species of ants can be identified by the following characteristics

• Workers are all the same size, small, 1/8-inch long

• Dark brown to shiny black

• Petiole with 1 node, hidden by abdomen

• Thorax uneven in shape when viewed from side

• Very strong odor when crushed

How Do Ants Get In.

Normally Ants live in shallow nests in soil under stones, wood, or debris, but they may nest in various habitats including wooded areas, beaches, wall voids, and around water pipes and heaters.

How To Keep Ants Out.

• Follow good sanitation practices and focus efforts on excluding ants from buildings.

• Keep ants off of trees or shrubs near buildings.

• Be prepared for annual invasions by caulking and baiting before the influx.

Professional Extermination Method.

With a combination of repellant and non-repellant products our technicians will rid your property of ants, and prevent neighboring ant colonies from entering your property.

For more information contact Berrett's Orange County Pest Control Office at 888.250.5503

For more methods on how to get rid of ants check out UC Davis: Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program

*Cited from UC Davis: Integrated Pest Management Program & Wikipedia