Ants (Formicidae) are
fascinating and tiny insects
known for their social behaviour and impressive colonies. We will explore about ants, their behaviour, types, lifecycle, and where they live.
Ants are social insects closely related to bees and wasps. You can identify them by their bent antennae and the node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
Ants have two stomachs, the foregut and the midgut. The foregut, also known as the crop, is like a storage area where ants hold food. This is sometimes called the “social stomach” because it’s where ants store food that they will share with other members of their colony. While midgut is the ant’s actual stomach where food is processed for the ant’s own nutritional needs.
Each type of ant has a defined set of tasks. Let us take a look:
Worker ants: Sterile females responsible for gathering food, caring for the queen’s offspring, and maintaining the nest.
Queen ants: Lay eggs and ensure the reproduction and growth of the colony.
Male ant: The male ant has wings and mates with the queen during the reproductive phase.
Soldier ants: They have larger heads and stronger mandibles, defending the colony and assisting in tasks like leaf cutting in leaf-cutter ant colonies.
Ants undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The queen ant’s primary role is to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, worker ants feed and care for the larvae until they pupate and emerge as adults.
Ants can often be found close to their food sources and moisture, as well as in concealed and sheltered spots such as wall voids, under appliances, behind window frames, and under floors.
Additionally, ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, from forests and grasslands to urban areas and homes. They build various types of nests, including underground burrows, mounds, and even inside wooden structures.
There are over 12,000 known species of ants, with some common types including carpenter ants, fire ants, and leafcutter ants. Each species has unique characteristics and behaviours, adapted to its specific environments. Red imported fire ants are considered to be the most dangerous species of ants in the US. They can cause itchy, pus-filled blisters that may last over a week.
In some cases, people stung by these ants may experience anaphylactic shock. According to research from Texas A&M University, over 14 million people are stung by these insects each year. If you think Ants invade your house, contact professional ant control services.
Getting rid of ants requires a combination of methods. Start by keeping your home clean and free of food debris, as ants are attracted to sugary and greasy substances. Seal any cracks and crevices where ants might enter.
Use ant baits and traps to target foraging ants and eliminate colonies. For persistent infestations, consider contacting a professional ant control service. They have the expertise to identify the ant species and use appropriate ant treatment methods to ensure effective removal.
To stop ants from coming into the house use natural ant repellents like Vinegar, salt, lemon juice, peppermint, etc.
Ants can live from a few weeks to several years, depending on the species and their role in the colony.
Use DIY methods to block entry areas of the ants or get expert help to completely get rid of ants from your home.
Carpenter ants are reddish black, and can be identified by their large size and segmented body. They are usually found in decaying and moist environments.
Ants are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods such as leaves, fungus, nectar, fruits, vegetables, sugar, insects, lizards, amphibians, and insect eggs.
Ants are super strong and can lift up to 50 times their body weight. Their strength is related to the ant’s surface area.
Ants usually live in the ground. They dig tunnels and create small rooms underground to keep their eggs, store food, and take care of their young.
Flying ants or drones are male ants in the ant colony. They appear during the mating season
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