Ants are considered by most people to be one of the most common household pests. There are a wide number of different species of ants that can be found living in our area; two of the most common species are the odorous house ant and Argentine ant. Odorous house ants and Argentine ants, like most species of ants, are considered nuisance pests and do not pose serious threats to people or property. They will, however, contaminate food and invade buildings in large numbers, making them difficult to eliminate. All ants have three distinct body regions; the head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have six legs and a pair of antennae. It is important to note that some ants do bite, sting, and spread harmful disease, and some species can even cause structural damages.

Outside, ants nest in a variety of places including underneath woodpiles, rock piles, mulch, and fallen trees and limbs as well as inside tree stumps, around foundations, and in the cracks of sidewalks or pavement. These pests often move indoors while foraging for food, looking for suitable nesting sites, or when the weather outside becomes unsuitable for them to live comfortably. Once inside, ants tend to create their nests in hard to reach, out-of-the-way places like above ceilings, under floors, behind baseboards, and behind walls.

Our experts have some tips for preventing ants from invading your Midlands property. Remove fallen trees, tree limbs, tree stumps, and other unnecessary debris from your property. Trim back overgrown vegetation away from the outside of your home. Leave at least an 18-inch barrier between any mulch or grass and your home’s foundation. Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls of your property, and eliminate all other entry points. Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home. Finally, limit food sources by placing locking lids on trash cans and compost bins, keep outdoor grill areas cleaned up, and pick up garden areas to avoid providing ants with an easy meal.