Pest Control for Ants

When we talk about ants, we are referring to one of the most evolutionary successful living beings in the world. It is an insect that is widely distributed throughout the world and has a remarkable variety. Here are some facts about ants.

Description of ants

Ants are a species identified with the order Hymenoptera. It is a close family of bees, wasps and other eusocial insects. This is a determining point in their evolution, because they are insects that live in large extended communities. Thanks to this condition, they have managed to expand considerably.

They are extremely ancient, emerging in the Cretaceous, the period when flowering plants first appeared. This event is exploited not only by ants, but by all hymenopterous insects.

So far, 14,000 species have been described, but it is estimated that there are still at least 22,000 more.

Their structure is easily recognisable, as they have angled antennae and a body divided into three sections.

Depending on the variety, they can form communities of a few individuals, up to multitudinous hives. They have developed specific function assignments, hence their success as an organised society. Such communities are treated as an integral organism because they appear to be interdependent and highly communicative.

The most numerous castes are the worker, sterile and food-gathering castes. There are also some specialisations in each group, such as soldiers, maternity care, food preparation and the reproductive queen.

Some ant species

Their range is remarkable, but there are some particularly interesting ones, especially because of their relationship with humans.

• Black garden ant (Lasius Niger). This is one of the most widespread varieties. It is found practically everywhere on the planet and feeds on plant material. It can be considered a pest when it attacks edible or ornamental plants.
• Pharaoh ant (Monomorium Pharaonis). Another fairly widespread variety that often inhabits human spaces and has a preference for protein-rich foodstuffs. This makes them natural competitors for humans.
• Flying Ant (Lasius, Male Ants). These are sexed males of a particular variety that develop wings for easier movement during the fertilisation period.
• Carpenter ant (Camponotus sp). Despite its name, it does not feed on wood, but builds its nests in trees or discarded trunks.

Habitat, where we can find ants

Thanks to their adaptive capacity, they have managed to colonise practically the entire planet. Only Antarctica and remote and inhospitable areas do not have any variety of ants. They are so widespread that it is estimated that they make up 15 to 25% of the earth’s biomass.

They possess a natural ability to adapt their environment to their needs and this makes them successful in evolution. As a result, they can use practically all types of food and are particularly specialised in their environment and availability. For this reason, they can be found in a variety of places, both natural and domestic. The predominant species in each location will depend on the food available.