MASA Pest Control Services

ANTS

ANTS (ORDER: HYMENOPTERA)

Ants, belonging to the Formicidae family, encompass about 10,000 species. These social insects live in highly organized colonies and are found worldwide, with their highest abundance in tropical and subtropical regions. Ants play critical roles in the ecosystems they inhabit, with some species acting as keystone species, exerting significant influence on their environment. While many species are beneficial, some are considered pests in human settings. Additionally, several ant species have become invasive, thriving in areas outside their native habitats and disrupting local ecosystems.

Why ants are considered nuisance pests in homes and other environments?

Food Contamination: Ants feed on human foods, contaminating them as they travel.

Structural Infestation: They often nest in wall voids, under kitchen sinks, and other hidden spaces, creating infestations.

Mound Formation: Some species build mounds in lawns, which can be unsightly and damaging to landscaping.

Bites and Stings: Certain species can deliver painful bites or venomous stings, posing a risk to humans and pets.

Nest in Decaying Wood: While ants don’t consume wood like termites, species like carpenter ants can establish nests in decaying wood, potentially affecting the structural integrity of homes.

Characteristics Description
Family
Formicidae
Number of Species
Approximately 10,000
Habitat
Found globally, most abundant in tropical and subtropical regions
Social Structure
Live in highly organized colonies with division of labor (queen, workers, soldiers, drones)
Keystone Species
Some species significantly influence their ecosystems
Role in Ecosystems
Essential members, involved in soil aeration, seed dispersal, and predation of pests
Pest Status
Some species are considered pests in human environments, especially around food and structures
Invasive Species
Certain species have spread outside their native ranges, disrupting local ecosystems
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including seeds, insects, nectar, and human food
Nest Locations
Build nests in soil, wood, or inside human structures, depending on the species
Bites/Stings
Some species can inflict painful bites or venomous stings, such as fire ants
Wood Interaction
Some species, like carpenter ants, nest in decaying wood, but do not consume wood
Life Cycle
Complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → pupa → adult
Life Stages
4 stages: Egg, larva, pupa, adult
Life Span
Varies by caste: Workers live a few weeks to months; queens can live several years
Size
Varies by species; ranges from 0.8 mm to 25 mm in length

REFERENCES:

  • Hölldobler, B., & Wilson, E.O. (1990). The Ants. Harvard University Press.
  • Wilson, E.O. (1971). The Insect Societies. Harvard University Press.
  • Bolton, B. (1994). Identification Guide to the Ant Genera of the World. Harvard University Press.
  • Lach, L., Parr, C.L., & Abbott, K.L. (2010). Ant Ecology. Oxford University Press.
  • Del Toro, I., Ribbons, R.R., & Pelini, S.L. (2012). “The Role of Ants in Ecosystems.” Ecology and Evolution, 2(8), 2359–2372.
  • Klotz, J.H., Hansen, L.D., & Pospischil, R. (2008). Urban Ants of North America and Europe: Identification, Biology, and Management. Cornell University Press.
  • Lee, C.Y., & Robinson, W.H. (2001). Handbook of Pest Control (9th ed.). Mallis, A.
  • Suarez, A.V., & Tsutsui, N.D. (2008). “The Evolution and Invasion of the Argentine Ant.” Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 39, 39-58.
  • Hansen, L.D., & Klotz, J.H. (2005). Carpenter Ants of the United States and Canada. Cornell University Press.
  • Tschinkel, W.R. (2010). The Fire Ants. Harvard University Press.

Worried about pests ?

Call MASA for a free inspection.

Our pest control expert will schedule an inspection to assess your problem and recommend an effective solution for the same.