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Ants

Ants - Characteristic And Facts

Latin Name

Family Formicidae

Ants are the most common insects and more than 10,000 known species occur around the world. They are really easy to identify by their elbowed antennae and node-like structured waist. Ants form colonies that range in size from a few dozen to highly organised colonies that can occupy large territories. Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth. Every cologne has one or two egg-laying queens, numerous workers and males.
Some ant species are valued in their role as biological pest control agents but also can damage crops and invade buildings. Ants range in size from 0.030 to 2 inches. Ants vary in different colours, most species are black or red. Ants diet includes leaves, seeds, small insects and nectars. They carry their food back to the nest and are capable of carrying more than ten times their weight.
The life of an ant starts from an egg. They develop full metamorphosis with the larva stages passing through a pupal stage before emerging into an adult. The larva is carried and fed by the workers. The queens can live up to 30 years and workers up to 3 years. Males have a shorter lifespan and survive only for a few weeks.

 

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Swarming Ants

Why Do I Have Ants In My Home?

Ants don't need much of a gap to be able to get into your house. Ants can get through slight cracks or gaps under the door or window. It is really hard to keep these insects away from your home but sealing the cracks and gaps can reduce some of their entry points.
As the weather starts to warm up in spring, the workers start to look for food. Your home is representing a possible food and water source for them and it also provides protection from predators. Kitchens are a common place for ants to be found. Even small amounts of food like scrubs and pet food can attract them. Unfortunately, few foragers entering your home can become a major problem if ants establish colonies in walls or under home foundations.
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Black Common Ant
These insects are known also as black garden ants and their colonies can reach up to 40,000 workers. The queen can live up to 15 years. In certain circumstances, it is possible that there can be multiple queens in a single colony. Queen ant can reach up to 9mm length, male ant can reach up to 3.5 mm length and the worker up to 5mm. These ants can be found in the kitchen area, food waste and dog excrement, therefore potentially spreading diseases such as salmonella. They can feed on anything, especially if it is sweet.
They are considered to be nuisance pests that infest your home and food supplies.
How Did I Get Black Ants? Usually, black ants nest outdoors in areas like lawns and cracks of cement, but often when seeking for food they can enter your home through small gaps and cracks. Once inside they can create a new nest and will use your home as a place to easily access food and water.
Are Black Ants Dangerous?
Black ants are not dangerous to human health but they are considered to be nuisance pests that infest your home and food supplies.
How To Get Rid Of Black Ants?
At Archers Pest Control we can offer pest control for homes and businesses infested with black ants. Your trained pest technician will design a unique treatment for your situation.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ant is a small insect around 2mm with yellow or brown colour, almost transparent. They can be a major nuisance pest for many homes and hospitals. A female pharaoh ant can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime.
How Did I Get Pharaoh Ants?
Grease stains, sweet drinks and dead insects attract these pests. In pantries, they can attack every sugary food and proteins like honey and peanut butter. Pharaoh ants are known to build their nests far away from their food and water sources.
These insects make their way indoors through poorly sealed gaps.
How Seriously Are Pharaoh Ants?
Dealing with Pharaoh ants is tough. Incorrectly used insecticides may prompt the inspect to split off from the existing colony and begin a new colony in a new location.
Hospitals express concern with pharaoh ants, as these ants can spread different diseases and contaminate sterile equipment, tools and rooms.
Female pharaoh ants live as long as 4 to 12 months and workers can live only to 10 weeks.
How To Get Rid Of Pharaoh Ants?
In controlling and pharaoh ants, it is often advisable to seek professional help.

What Archers Do?
Our BPCA trained technician can help manage Pharaoh Ants and similar pests. Since every home or business is different, your technician will design a unique treatment for your situation.

 

 

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