All you need to know about large black ants and small black ants infestation; let’s read this article.
Like every other creature, black ants (small and large) have a significant role in the ecosystem. Decomposition is not complete without the ants because they break down the soil as they feed on organic waste, animals, and other dead insects. However, it is different when they make their way into the house.
It is annoying and nearly frustrating to see a cluster of black ants in your home or premises because of the damage they cause and how irritating they can be. They are stubborn, and they constitute a nuisance in the house.
Since they are at best useful in their natural habitat, how can you get rid of small black ants and large black ants at home? You’ll find the answer to this and every other thing you need to know in this article.
Facts About Large Black Ants and Small Black Ants
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There are two types of black ants
We have the small black ant (Monomorium minimum) and the large black ant (Camponotus species). Small black ants are tiny jet-black ants measuring around 3/5”. On the other hand, the large black ants, also known as carpenter ants, are slightly bigger, around 5/8″. Identifying them and naming them correctly is essential. When you can properly name the ants in your home, you can easily identify the steps to eliminate them. If you cannot identify them, call pest control service immediately. They know the best way to get rid of small black ants and large black ants.
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Small black ants cause no damage, but large black ants do
Small black ants are harmless. Even though they have mandibles and stringer, their effect at home is not always noticeable. The large black ants cause serious problems at home because they burrow into wooden elements, causing structural damage. The natural habitat for black ants is outdoors, but they make their way inside while foraging for water and food.
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Black ants are seasonal
Generally, ant swarming spikes during mid-summer. You will often notice large and small black ant problems in the house between June to August. Once outside is warm during spring and summer, they find their way indoors.
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Black ants are social insects
They have an organized communication system between the queen, king, and workers. The food they share is their primary means of communication. Using repellents on them may scatter their communication trail but doesn’t kill them. Professionals know how they communicate and can trail their activity to their colony, which they need to destroy.
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You can follow their trail and locate their source
Black ants usually follow a trail to travel between their food source and their colony. The trail will help you discover their colony when you want to eradicate them. Following the trail may be difficult, so you should reach out to professionals.
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Black ants like moisture
Black ants live outside in wooden posts, rotten logs and stumps, and decaying decking. Indoors, you will find them around leaking sinks, damaged wood, roof leaks, and wet frames.
FAQs About Large black Ants and Small Black Ants
Are black ants harmful?
Small black ants are dangerous. Small black ant infestation is less significant because the ants are usually concerned about their food source. Contrarily, an infestation of large black ants needs immediate attention because they create hollows into wooden items at home, causing structural damage.
What attracts black ants into my Kitchen?
Black ants are omnivorous; they can eat anything from sweet to fruit, syrup, crumbs, dead insects, etc. Their natural habitat is outside. While foraging for food and drinks, they make their way into the kitchen to locate a food source. To get rid of small black ants in the kitchen, you need to remove the food source.
Where do black ants come from?
Black ants are practically everywhere because they exist in thousands and millions in their colonies. They travel from their colonies outside to search for food inside the house. They enter the house through cracks, foundation cervices, open windows, and doors.
Prevention of black ants at home
Follow these tips to prevent small and big black ant problems in your house.
- Wipe off food spills immediately to prevent ant attraction in your kitchen
- Store sugary food like biscuits, sugar, and others in airtight containers, and store ripe fruits in the fridge.
- Fix all leaking pipes in the bathroom and kitchen
- Seal the crevices, cracks, and openings with silicone-based caulk.
- Store firewood far from the house or above the ground.
- Clean, sweep, and vacuum the space regularly to clear off any existing trail.
What works and what doesn’t work for getting rid of small and large black ants
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What doesn’t work?
Black ant control can be difficult once there is an infestation. If you start taking preventive measures after infestation, you can’t get rid of black ants. Indeed, cleaning your space, clearing food sources, and fixing leakages are all good practices, but they won’t work for eliminating black ants. Also, there is a long list of DIY treatments online, but they are not 100% effective against black ants.
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What works for getting rid of black ants?
Using specialized little black ant bait and large black ant bait is a great black ant control method that is proven, tested, and trusted.
You can follow their trail and apply insecticides to kill them. More so, apply insecticide to entry points around the door, windows, and crevices. If you don’t know the best pesticide for little black ants, you can trust us at PPC.
Pest Control Near Me (Canada)
Once there’s a black ant infestation, the best response is calling professionals like Provincial Pest Control (PPC). We start with a free inspection of commercial and residential areas in Canada. We also engage great monitoring techniques as part of large black ant control to ensure permanent treatment.
If you have a small or large black ant infestation, contact Provincial Pest Control (PPC) today. We have reliable services available throughout Canada. Ours is a one-off treatment; request free inspection here.
