Don’t ‘Cry Uncle’ if you have Ants!

Don’t ‘Cry Uncle’ if you have Ants!

Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.

Many species of ants contribute to the ecology of the landscape, though there are times when we wish we could banish them from the home and garden. But you have to admire the work ethic of these ‘system engineers’.

The most common ants found on properties are small pavement and odorous ants. They are fairly easy to control using residual Pyrethrin sprays or Borax based baits. As a socially organized colony, the workers are really the only ones that enter the home foraging for food. The Queen hides deep in the nest – doing what Queen’s do best -wearing nice hats and waving to the masses. Seriously now…

Ants enter through cracks and crevices and are looking for a food source. Common sense dictates that if you see ants around baseboards (they usually create a path in straight lines) or on counters – you need to repair any openings around foundations and doorways. Protect food in airtight containers, wipe counters and baseboards with common vinegar (to disrupt pheromone trails) and practice good housekeeping – these simple habits will repel and minimize ants in the home.

In the garden, ants have a mutualistic relationship with aphids. Aphids produce a sticky sweet substance called honeydew which is a great food source for ant colonies. Ants protect, defend and transport wingless aphids in return for the privilege of ‘herding’ and ‘milking’ aphids for the rich honeydew.

Controlling ant’s outdoors requires patience and observation – make note of the ant pathways back to the nest and use diatomaceous earth or borax baits along the trails.

Take a look at the photos and links to learn more about the many species of ants, their odd behaviours, their relationships with other insects and natural control. They are a fascinating and complex creature. By the way, thank you to Alex Wild, a biologist at the University of Illinois for letting me reproduce these pictures here on the Biofloris blog. To see many other insect photos, check out his website at: http://www.alexanderwild.com/

Tetramorium caespitum - The Pavement Ant is a common household pest in many parts of North America. Photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.alexanderwild.com/

Tapinoma sessile – The Odorous House Ant has a distinct smell when crushed – some say like rotten coconut! Photo courtesy of Alex Wild, http://www.alexanderwild.com/

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