Ant Identification & Prevention Guide

What are ants?

Found on every continent except Antarctica, ants live together in large groups, caring for their nest. They are a widespread pest that people must deal with regularly. Ants typically live and nest outside but find their way indoors while foraging for food. Along with bees and wasps, these social insects are members of the order Hymenoptera. Ants vary significantly by species in their shape, size, color, and behavior. All ants, however, have three distinct body regions: head, thorax, and abdomen. Ants also have bent antennae and chewing mouthparts. The only winged members of the colony are the reproductive members, while wingless workers are the ants most commonly encountered.

Are ants dangerous?

Many ant species are nuisance pests and pose no real threat to people or property. With that said, it is important to note that ants tend to invade homes and other properties in large numbers, regularly contaminate food sources, and are difficult to control. Even though most of the ants we come into contact with here are harmless, some dangerous ants are living throughout the southern United States. Dangerous ants are those species that sting, cause structural damage, or spread diseases. Ants can quickly take over any home or property, and they should always be quickly eliminated.

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants often choose to build their nests in the ground close to your home or business near driveways, fence lines, foundations, garages, sidewalks, and other structures. Yards with easy access to food attract ants and offer them a place to nest. Areas where ants commonly forage for food include compost bins and trash cans, gardens, and pet food bowls.

Where will I find ants?

Ants will nest in a variety of places including the natural cracks and crevices in rocks, fallen trees, and tree stumps. Other common outdoor nesting spots include under mulch, in landscaping ties, and the cracks in pavement and sidewalks. Because ants tend to nest close to the foundations of homes and commercial properties, they often find their way inside your property through cracks in the foundation or exterior walls while foraging for food. Once inside, they may build a satellite nest for their colony that is close to their newly discovered food source. Indoor nests are usually created out of sight above ceilings, behind walls, or below floors.

How do I get rid of ants?

For home and business owners who want to eliminate ants from their property, partnering with a professional is the best way to be successful. At Jury Pest Services, we provide exceptional pest solving strategies that will eliminate ants and prevent their return. Our green pest control solutions protect the environment, while still being effective against our area’s toughest pests. Serving Richmond County in Georgia and Aiken County in South Carolina, Jury Pest Services is committed to our customers and to providing trustworthy pest control services. We also provide our professional services to homes and businesses in Columbia County, GA, Edgefield County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, and beyond. To learn more about our ant control services, contact Jury Pest Services today!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

In addition to the professional solutions you can find at Jury Pest Services, use the following tips to help prevent problems with ants:

• Eliminate nesting spots by removing fallen trees, trees stumps, piles of wood, and other debris from your yard.

• Place a 12 to 18 inch barrier of crushed rock or stone between mulch or soil and your foundation.

• Keep ants out of your home by sealing cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.

• Get rid of easy access to food sources by keeping tight-fitting lids on all outdoor trashcans and compost bins.

• Reduce moisture levels around your foundation by maintaining gutters and downspouts and fixing leaky hoses and outdoor faucets.