Ants

Ants

According to the National Pest Management Association, ants are the number 1 nuisance pest in America. More than 10,000 ant species exist throughout the world.

Geographical Region

Ants are found on all continents except Antarctica as well as a few large islands such as Iceland, greenland and the Hawaiian Islands.

Natural Habitat

Ants in general prefer to establish their colonies where there is accessible food and moisture. They can nest in wall and floor cracks as well as in loose soil under a building's foundation. 

Weather Conditions

Ants are most likely to enter homes to escape cold and wet conditions outdoors. They also invade homes to escape excessive heat. 

Behavior

Ants enter homes in search of easy food and water sources. They most frequently infest kitchens, but bathrooms and basements can harbor ant infestations as well. Foraging worker ants have one job: To seek out food to bring back to the nest and keep the colony thriving. When these worker ants find food, they lay pheromone trails to let other workers know where to find it. 

Unique Characteristics

The queen ant rips off her wings when she starts a new nest. Ants don't have ears or lungs. They 'hear' by feeling vibrations in the ground, and they get oxygen and expel CO2 through tiny holes all over their bodies.