How To Get Rid Of Ants

Ants (“Lasius neoniger), are one of the most irritating pests you can find in your home. Ants in Ohio are not known for their stings or bites like they are in the southern United States, however, they can cause major damage to homes and structures. There are several different types of ants in Ohio and it is important to properly identify which type of ant you have as each species will need a different method to eliminate. Different types of ants are attracted to different types of food sources. Some ants like fats and oils, others like protein and still others only feed on sugar. Properly identifying ants in Columbus, Ohio will determine what treatment is used in eradicating the infestation.

It is important to note that ant treatments are not a one and done deal most of the time. Ant colonies vary in size and there could be more than one colony on your property. Ants also leave pheromone trails that a new colony can find the following year and the infestation will start over again. Once the initial colony has been eradicated it is important to continue preventive pest control to ensure other colonies do not re-infest.

Many people when thinking about the question, “How to get rid of ants?,” think that ants are something that can be controlled with over the counter pesticides. It is true that there are a lot of chemicals out there that can kill on contact and put a repellent barrier throughout your home. However, if a repellent is placed in the home before the colony is eradicated this can lead to the colony moving somewhere else in the home where the chemical has not been applied. Also, chemicals that kill on contact and instantaneously do not give the ability for the ants to track it back to the colony. Ants are very social insects in that they feed each other, clean each other and take care of one another. Using a chemical that that kills slowly and can be tracked back to the colony ensures a broader and more thorough treatment.

Although there are many types of ants in Columbus, Ohio, the ants we encounter the most are Carpenter Ants, Odorous House Ants and Little Black Ants.

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) are the most destructive species of ants to a structure as they need moist wood to create colonies to produce offspring. Carpenter ants prefer an environment that is moist and has a constant water source. Often you will find them in kitchens, bathrooms, window sills and on the sill plate of the foundation. They feed on proteins and sugars. Carpenter ants vary in size depending on their sex and the role they play within the colony. There are also ant swarmers that appear in early spring. These swarmers are looking for suitable environments to start a new colony. Many people mistake carpenter ant swarmers for termites as they can look similar. It is always a good idea to have a professional come and diagnose the insect to be sure the proper treatment is completed.

Odorous House Ants (“Paratrechina”) are easy to identify as they have an interesting odor and they come in droves. When these ants are smashed between your fingers they let off a “rotten coconut” smell. They are commonly found in kitchen areas and other areas where food is kept or stored. Although these ants do not cause a lot of structural damage they are annoying when you find them in your cupboards. They are looking for sweets and other food to forage.

Black Ants (“Monomorium minimum”) are a common house ant that is looking for a suitable nesting environment consisting of a water source and food source. These ants are not exclusive on what they will eat. They feed on anything inclusive of sugar, proteins, fats and oils.

Understanding the species, behavior and life cycles of ants is imperative in providing a comprehensive treatment in getting rid of this pest. At Restoration Pest Management our method of eliminating ants is:

1. Using the proper bait for the ant species with the proper type of food source that then can be fed to subsequent ants back at the colony.
2. Using a tracking chemical that thy ants will pick up and then transfer externally to other colony members,
3. Using a sterilizing agent that will prevent the ants from being able to reproduce.
4. Once the main issue has been taken care of and there are no more ants inside the structure, a preventive residual exterior chemical will be used to keep the ants out of the home year after year.
5. To ensure your home continues to be “ant free” we recommend quarterly or semi-monthly treatments to keep the pests out of your home.

Call us today!

If you are experiencing ants in Columbus, Ohio and have the lingering question in your mind, “How to get rid of ants?” give us a call today! 614-204-8630

For more information about ants in Ohio visit The Ohio State University Extension