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DITCHLING CORPORATION LIMITED
"Supplying professional Pest Control products since 1964"
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DITCHLING CORPORATION LIMITED
"Supplying professional Pest Control products since 1964"
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Introduction
Ants are among the oldest of insects. Some 8000 species have been classified. They are distinguished from other insects by the threadlike connection between thorax and abdomen, and by their elbowed antennae. Termites, on the other hand, have a broad connection between thorax and abdomen, and straight beadlike antennae.
Ants will live and nest almost anywhere they can find shelter and protection. However, some species do not build nests, and live a nomadic existence. Worker Ants often live as long as seven years, and some queens live as long as 10 to 17 years. Ants are prolific, and often build immense colonies of up to three quarters of a million individuals.
Effects of Ant Infestations
Most Ant nests are made outdoors in the soil, often under rocks or bark; but certain species establish themselves indoors: the Pharaoh Ant(Monomorium pharaonis) confines itself to heated buildings, and the Carpenter Ant(Camponotus sp.) tunnels in building timbers. The Black Carpenter Ant(C. pennsylvanicus) is most common east of the Rocky Mountains; however, the Red Carpenter Ant(C. ferrugineus) and the Northern Carpenter Ant(C. herculeaneus) are also quite common. Argentine Ants(Iridomyronex humilis) are distributed over a wide area, notably in California and the southern states, they are particularly persistent in Southern California. The bite of Argentine Ants can be serious; they are known to congregate on human faeces and can spread typhoid fever.
Ants found in buildings are usually workers seeking food to carry back to their colony. This is particularly true of the Pavement Ant(Tetramorium caespitum), the Common Black Ant(Lasius niger) and Argentine Ants. In the home Ants can ruin food for human consumption. They can also carry disease organisms and contaminate the food they contact. Some species damage soiled or starched clothing.
Fire Ants(Solenopsis sp.) are of widespread economic and human importance in the southern United States. They are not a major pest of crops or livestock, but their stings can be serious to human beings and animals. Rarely is death caused by Fire Ant stings; however, secondary infections have been widely reported, particularly in children. Moreover, some individuals experience a severe allergic reaction to the stings.
Life History
The four stages of development of Ants are egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most Ants form colonies which are complex societies with labor divided among different castes. An Ant colony may consist of several queens and numerous workers.
In colonies producing winged forms of both sexes, mating takes place during a nuptial flight, usually in spring or early summer. However, with Pharaoh Ants, mating takes place within the nest throughout the year. After mating, the males soon die, their only purpose served.
The newly fertilized females immediately attempt to establish new colonies. Depending on the species, the female may or may not break off her wings before nesting. Having selected or excavated a small cavity in wood, under bark, stones or cracks in pavement, the queen lays her first eggs, the nucleus of a new colony.
The first eggs hatch into grublike larvae, for which the queen feeds and cares. When mature, the larvae produce a silk cocoon in which they pupate. Under optimum conditions, the development from egg to adult takes approximately two months; in colder weather this period may extend to ten months. The first workers emerge from their cocoons and immediately open the chamber to the outside where they collect food and begin to excavate galleries and enlarge the nest. The queen remains in the nest and is fed by the workers: her only duty is to continue to lay eggs.
In subsequent generations of workers, various sizes are produced and classified as major, intermediate or minor workers. Individual worker Ants specialize in certain duties in the colony. Often the larger workers guard the nest, explore and forage for food. Minor workers are usually occupied with expanding the nest, caring for the young and general housekeeping duties.
In the first year the colony consists of one queen and a small number of workers and immature forms. A colony is said to be mature (usually after three to six years) when winged males and females are formed and when the colony contains several thousand individuals. These winged males and females may be produced at any time, but generally develop in mid to late summer.
Preventing Infestations
Certain building maintenance and sanitation measures can help in preventing infestations and eradicating Ants. Keeping buildings in good repair, blocking entrance ways and giving special attention to cleanliness are important. Ants are attracted to human food, and exposed food crumbs and spilled liquids encourage infestations , particularly if the foods contain sugar.
Carpenter Ants usually prefer moist decaying wood; therefore preventing water leaks in roofs, pipes and sidings will discourage nesting. In addition, it helps to provide good ventilation in the house and good drainage around the structure so that all wood stays dry. Carpenter Ants will also nest in firewood and are often brought indoors with it. Firewood should be stored outside, away from the house until it is used.
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INSECTICIDES
BORIC ACID is an effective powder Ant killer.
LIQUID ANT KILLER BAIT placements can be very effectively used.
CRAWLING INSECT AEROSOLS are registered for use against Ants.
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