What are Ants?
Ant Facts and Identification
The average ant measures about 10 to 70 millimeters across the thorax or chest area.
Black, dark brown, red, or tan
Ants are divided into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. The thorax is joined to the abdomen by nodes. A reproductive ant has wings, but every other ant has six legs.
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Physical Characteristics
Ants are easily identifiable by their black, dark brown, red, or tan color, size (1.5 mm to 13 mm in length), and constricted petioles on their thorax and abdomen. They also have three pairs of legs for walking.
Ants don’t have wings, but some ants, such as the reproductive Swarmers, have two pairs of functional wings. Wings are crucial for reproductive ants because they enable them to travel long distances and locate food.
Ants Behaviour
Understanding ants’ behaviour is crucial for the extermination process. Ant colonies can be a nuisance when found inside a home because they can also transmit diseases. As they multiply rapidly, the complex colony structure of ants can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and electrical cables when nesting indoors.
Ants make colonies, and they divide the work. Workers are sterile females who perform various tasks, such as caring for the young, foraging for food, and defending the nest. Soldiers are also sterile females, but they are larger and have specialized mandibles for defense. Reproductive individuals include queens and males. Males are smaller and their sole purpose is to mate with the queen.
Ants Lifecycle
Let’s take a closer look at the ants’ lifecycle in Canada:
Egg Stage: Ant’s lifecycle begins with the egg stage. Queen ants lay eggs that hatch into larvae. The eggs are small and white, and they are laid in clusters.
Larvae Stage: Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge. Larvae are small, legless, and grub-like.. During this stage, the larvae are fed by worker ants, who regurgitate food for them. The larvae molt several times, shedding their skin.
Pupa Stage: After the larvae have grown to a specific size, they enter the pupa stage. During this stage, the pupae are enclosed in a cocoon and undergo metamorphosis. The pupae are still developing and not fully formed.
Adult Stage: Finally, the pupae emerge from their cocoons as fully formed adult ants. Adult ants may be workers, soldiers, or reproductive individuals, depending on the species.
What do Ants Eat?
Many species of ants are predatory and feed on other insects, such as flies, spiders, and caterpillars.
Some species of ants feed on the sugary secretions of aphids and other sap-sucking insects, known as honeydew.
Certain species of ants feed on the nectar produced by flowers.
Some ants are seed predators and feed on the seeds of plants.
Some ants cultivate fungi as a food source by creating underground gardens where they grow and consume fungi.
Some ants are scavengers and feed on the carcasses of dead animals.
Ants Habitat
An ant habitat is a vital component of their lives. They live in colonies; each colony typically has a specific area where it resides. The three castes of ants in a colony are the queen, drones, and workers. The queen is the only one who can lay eggs and controls most aspects of the colony. The workers forage for food and bring it back to the colony.
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Ants Species List
Ants are among the most fascinating insects in the world. There are 12,000 types of ants in the world. The following are some commonly found ant species in Ontario:
Carpenter Ant
Color: They have a black or reddish-brown body, with some species displaying a combination of both colors.
Size: They are known for their large size, reaching up to 13 millimeters in length.
Carpenter Ants as Pests
Carpenter ants are a common pest that can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. These ants are attracted to moist or decaying wood, which they use as a nesting site. Once inside the structure, carpenter ants can chew through walls, floors, and ceilings, causing structural damage over time.
At Acme Pest Solutions, our ant control Toronto team effectively removes carpenter ants from residential and commercial buildings.
Fire Ant
Color: They are typically reddish-brown or black in color
Size: On average, fire ants measure between 1/16 and 1/4 inches long.
Fire Ants as Pests
Fire ants, also known as red imported fire ants, are social insects that inhabit a wide range of habitats. They are small but dangerous. The symptoms of a fire ant bite vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity to the venom and the number of bites received.
Taking preventative measures against fire ants is key to maintaining a safe and comfortable living space free from any unwanted pests. (Check our detailed article on how to get rid of ants.)
Pavement Ant
Color: They are brown-black or black.
Size: Pavement ants are small insects measuring around 1/8 to 1/16 inches.
Pavement Ants as Pests
Pavement ants are a common ant species. They often enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows. They forage for food, feeding on sweets, proteins, grease, and other organic matter. Once inside a structure, they can contaminate food products and damage property by excavating wood materials.
If you’re experiencing an ant infestation, contact ACME Pest Solutions. Our experts can help provide you with the best services to keep your business premises pest-free.
Field Ant
Color: They have a black or brownish-black body
Size: Field ants can range from 3 mm to up to 10 mm in length.
Field Ants as Pests
Field ants are a common type of ant found in many parts of the world. These ants are known for their large size and aggressive behavior. They can bite humans and animals, delivering painful stings. They use chemical signals, known as pheromones, to communicate with one another and establish trails that lead to food sources. While they do not pose any significant health risks, they can cause damage to your property and be a general annoyance.
Contact Acme Pest Solutions to remove ants from your houses and offices in the GTA, Milton, Mississauga, and surrounding areas.
Pharaoh Ant
Color: They are pale yellow to reddish-brown with darker shades on their abdomen.
Size: Pharaoh workers are typically around 2mm long, while the queen can measure up to 4mm in length.
Pharaoh Ants as Pests
Pharaoh ants are notorious for their ability to establish large colonies quickly and spread throughout a building. They are attracted to various food sources, including sweets, oils, meats, and even carrion, such as dead insects. They are also known to feed on other insects, which can potentially threaten other beneficial insects in your home.
In cases of severe infestations, professionals such as ACME Pest Solutions can help you eliminate Pharaoh ants.
Argentine Ant
Color: They are usually light to dark brown and black in color.
Size: Argentine ants are small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length.
Argentine Ants as Pests
Argentine ants are an invasive species that originated from South America. They prefer a moist environment, so they often invade human habitats such as homes and buildings. Once inside, they cause damage to building foundations, wooden work, and spread diseases.
As Argentine ants are known for their aggressive behavior, their presence is a serious problem in many parts of the world. At ACME, we can help you prevent them from invading your home. Visit our page Ant Control Toronto for further service details.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)
Some ants, such as pharaoh ants, transmit diseases. A reaction to ant venom may result in swelling, cramps, and headaches at the sting site for some individuals.
Despite their small size, ants are robust. Some ant species can resist pressures up to 5,000 times their own size.
The number depends on the ant colony structure and ant species. It may range from a few dozen to several million.