Ant Identification
A Short Guide To Ant Identification
The task of ant identification must be achieved before a game plan is devised for repelling them. Some of the most common household ants, though mistakenly and collectively referred to by the wrong name, are susceptible to the same poisons and deterrents, making them a bit easier to control. Others, those who enjoy destroying things and then hiding inside of them, have a bit more leverage over us, and need to be systematically taken out of power. And then, there are our outdoor visitors, who can be a real blistering pain. I speak, of course, of the fire ant, who can tolerate the climate of almost any state, and who make their intentions clear in a most rude fashion.
An ant identification that we generally mistake is that of the little black and bi-colored ants who march indoors from nowhere at the slightest sign of a crumb. We refer to these ants as sugar ants, when in reality they are usually pharaoh and pavement ants. The true sugar ant is native to the continent of Australia, is large, is bi-colored, and has an aggressive nature. He also tends to eject acid from the nape of his abdomen should he take a disliking to those in his company. Our harmless little scavengers are merely pests, not tyrants, and for this we should feel fortunate.
Fire ants are small, but their mounds are quite sizable. This species has an amazing knack for sneaking up arm sleeves and pants legs without detection, and then attacking without cause. Animals and small children are particular vulnerable to these swarming, angry troops. Therefore disturbing the mound is not recommended, but a calculated, quick application of strong pesticide during the late evening hours can be quite effective. One fire ant can inflict 15 venomous stings during a single attack, leaving itchy, burning blisters that heal slowly over three weeks time. These blisters should not be broken, as the chance for severe, secondary staff infections is extremely high.
Carpenter ants are one of the easiest species for ant identification, as their large body and sleek black color are nearly unmistakable. These ants do not eat wood, but merely saw it out the way to create intricate tunnels and cell systems for food storage, larvae growth, and aphid nurseries. The signs that you are likely to notice with early or heavy infestation may include these ants coming into the house through crack and window casings, or waste deposits consisting of sawdust, wood, and dead ants or intruders. The issue with this, quite obviously, is the absolute and permanent damage that these insects inflict on the bones of your house. A standard two by four can only take so many tunnels before its strength is depleted.