Red ants are often seen as a nuisance because they build their nests in and around homes. They can be aggressive and bite if they feel threatened. They are challenging to get rid of once they establish a nest. They typically depend on eating small insects and other arthropods, but they can also feed on sweets and other sugary substances. These tiny red ants build their nests in wooded areas and on the ground.
Types of red ants and how to get rid of them
There are more than 600 species of ants in the US; they are difficult to identify unless you are an entomologist. However, identifying the characteristics that make them different from other species is important for preventing and controlling ants. For example, most people think that every red ant is a fire ant, which is not necessarily the case. Let us understand the distinguishing characteristics of different species of red ants.
- Fire Ants
The red fire ant is found throughout the southern United States. The red fire ant is about 1/2 inch long and is reddish-brown in color. It has a stinger that can inject painful venom and cause an allergic reaction in some people. The red fire ant nests in the ground and can build its nest to be as large as 3 feet in diameter. The red fire ant is a significant pest in the southern United States and has been known to kill animals such as chickens, rabbits, and lizards.
- Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are a species of giant ants. They are black, red, or red and black in color and range in size from 6 to 25 mm (0.24 to 1.0 in). They have a rounded abdomen and a large head with mandibles that are longer than the rest of their body. Carpenter ants are known for their nesting habits, as they excavate wood in order to build their nests. This can cause damage to buildings and other structures.
- Tawny Crazy Ants
Tawny crazy ants are tiny, reddish-brown to black ants that are about 1/8 inch long. They are named for their erratic, “crazy” movements. These ants are very attracted to sweet foods and often invade homes and other buildings in search of sweets. Tawny crazy ants are also attracted to pheromones, which they use to communicate with other ants.
How to get rid of them?
You can do a few things to get rid of red ants in your garden. One is to remove whatever attracts them to the area, such as food or moisture. Another is to use an insecticide explicitly designed for ants. Finally, you can try a natural method such as the diatomaceous earth.
