Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
Ants (Insects)

Image of Ants - Insects

Problem Info

Ants are present in the house. Trails of ants may crawl on floors, walls, baseboards, and counters and in cupboards. Ants generally cause the most trouble in the kitchen or pantry.

Analysis

Several species of ants invade households. Most ants are strongly attracted to sweets, starches, fats, and grains, and they invade households in order to carry these foods back to their nests. Adverse outdoor conditions, such as flooding or drought, may cause ants to move their nests or colonies into buildings. Ant colonies are often built underground in the garden but may also be found under flooring and in building foundations, wall partitions, attics, and other protected locations. These colonies may contain from several hundred to several thousand individuals. Colonies may be located by following the established ant trails to their origin.

Solution Advice

Most ants are strongly attracted to sweets, starches, fats, and grains, and they invade households in order to carry these foods back to their nests. So be sure to store food in sealed containers, and keep kitchens and pantries free of leftovers and exposed foods, such as honey.