Ants are one of the most common insect pests in the world. These tiny insects live in large groups called colonies and can build their homes both indoors and outdoors.
For many of us, a few ants here or there may not seem like a big deal; but where there are a few ants there are likely more — and an ant infestation on your property is the last thing you want. If you notice ants in your area, you’ll want to take care of them as quickly as possible. In this guide, our experts here at EcoClear Products discuss the many reasons why small ants can mean big problems for any property. We also provide resources on our very own line of eco-friendly and highly-effective insect control products — great for treating and preventing ant infestations indoors and outdoors.
Ants: Power (and Problems) in Numbers
There are over 20,000 species of ants known to exist. Among these species, no single ant is larger than an inch or two in length (most are only several millimeters in length). Some ants are venomous, most aren’t. Some are carnivorous, others are herbivorous; most don’t discriminate. What makes these tiny insects major problems isn’t their size of their individual characteristics. What makes ants major pest problems is the fact that they live in large groups called colonies. Ant colonies range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals inhabiting small natural cavities to highly organized colonies that may occupy large territories and consist of millions of individuals. Ant colonies can cause major structural damage, consume large quantities of organic material, and pose major health risks to people and animals nearby. Learn more about the many problems ant colonies can cause you and your property in the following sections.
Structural Problems Caused by Ants
Many ant species, including the incredibly common carpenter ant, often build their nests in wood. Outdoors, this means wood piles, stumps, fences, or deck structures. Indoors, this includes wooden components such as beams, joists and structural lumber. Ants will chew through wood to create tunnels for workers and drones. Over time, the tunnels created by a large ant colony can become quite numerous and complex, which can compromise the integrity of the entire wooden structure. (Ants will also chew through any wires that may get in their way.) For you, the property owner, this can mean expensive repairs and replacements. Carpenter ants are also known to nest in foam insulation and are usually indicative of a moisture problem. Keeping your property’s moisture levels under control, safely storing food, and cleaning surfaces regularly can help prevent ant infestations in your space.
Outdoor Problems Caused by Ants
Indoor spaces aren’t the only spots that can suffer due to an ant infestation. Outdoors, ants can wreak havoc. Most ant species build their nests underground in dirt, sand, or rocky areas, while some nest in wood or other organic material. Most ants are also omnivorous, which means they’ll eat plants, animals, grains, and other food sources. For garden owners, this is nothing short of devastating. Ant colonies can decimate vegetable gardens in a matter of days. Farming ants, one of the most common outdoor ant species, secrete hormones to attract their prey: aphids and other small insects. Unfortunately, this process often results in an excess of aphids, which feed on plants. Other ant species that can cause major problems for outdoor spaces include field ants, which dig large mounds that burst above ground and damages both lawns and gardens, and army ants, which aggressively eat and destroy any plant matter that may get in the way of their building.
Health Problems Caused by Ants
In addition to causing property damage, ants can also pose several health risks for people and pets. Many ants are venomous (including the fire ant, bulldog ant, and bullet ant), and some can carry disease. In fact, recent studies show that the pharaoh ant can carry and transmit organisms such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium and Streptococcus. Pharaoh ants also emit discharge that can cause respiratory problems including asthma.
Stop Bugging Me!™ From EcoClear Products: The Natural Way to Get Rid of Ants
As large groups with complex hierarchies and adaptive social behavior, ant colonies can be incredibly resilient and difficult to exterminate. Studies have shown that many ant colonies display evidence of intricate communication, defense, and group learning — leading scientists to describe these colonies as “superorganisms,” a nod to the ants’ ability to work together as a unified entity. But the problems with ant extermination don’t stop there. To make matters worse, many common insecticides used to kill ants can pose additional problems for your property and those within it. If you are looking for non-toxic, highly-effective alternative, our team here at EcoClear Products has your solution.
Our eco-minded engineers have developed Stop Bugging Me!™, a revolutionary new eco-friendly insecticide, to address insect infestations of all kinds both indoors and outdoors. Stop Bugging Me!™ products are made with naturally-derived ingredients that are both highly-effective at exterminating insect pests and 100% safe to use around people, pets, and the environment. Non-toxic and 100% biodegradable, they’re prefect indoor and outdoor applications.
Dealing with ants in your lawn or garden? We recommend our Stop Bugging Me!™ Lawn and Garden Outdoor Pest Controlbroad-spectrum spray. For indoor infestations, use our Stop Bugging Me!™ topical sprays and our Stop Bugging Me!™ Laundry Additive to treat existing ant infestations and deter new ants for up to 45 days.
Learn More and Shop Stop Bugging Me!™
Want to learn more about how to get rid of ants in the yard and around the house? Our experts here at EcoClear Product would love to help. Visit our blog for resources and informative guides, or contact our team directly here. Ready to give Stop Bugging Me!™ a try in your home or business? Shop online, or use our Store Locator to find an EcoClear Products retailer near you.
Sources
3 Types of Ants That Can Damage Your Yard. Dave’s Pest Control, LLC. https://www.davespestcontrol.com/blog/3-types-of-ants-that-can-damage-your-yard/
Ants Can Cause Asthma, Allergies. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20050225/ants-can-cause-asthma-allergies#1
