Ant Basics

Most people want some background information about ants, why they nest in homes, why their house in particular, why they reinfest, if they're doing any damage, and how to get rid of them.

The first five or six links in our ants section should help you understand why you have ants and what it takes to get rid of them. Further links will tell you more about your particular ant. Still have questions? Just give us a call, we are happy to help.

Ant Info

Most ant species are predatory, that is they eat other insects. Most ant species also eat secretions from plant eating insects such as aphids, euphemistically referred to as honey dew. This substance is a clear, highly sticky fluid, which you may have encountered if you have parked under a willow tree or any other tree with aphids in it. These aphids may occur up high in the tree, or on shrubs, roses, or even below ground in the root systems.

Many ants species are soil nesters, and all of them can and do tunnel below ground. This is just one of the reasons to read and follow our ANT PREVENTION information.

Carpenter ants are not the only ant in the Northwest that damages wood. Velvety tree ants, which are about the size of odorous house ants tunnel in wood as well, as do Moisture ants. In fact, many ants will tunnel in wood if the wood is damaged by rot or moisture.

Ants that typically nest under rocks will be happy nesting under our concrete slabs and walkways. Ants which nest in trees will enjoy our wood framed houses. Ants which nest in the soil may like the shelter from the rain your eaves provide. Ants which feed on aphids may like the vegetation planted all around your home, especially if contacts your home. Ants which like moist environments will love... well, most homes, since most homes have too much moisture.

Why do ants infest?

The link: ANTS IN MY HOUSE goes into greater detail but the info below hits many of the high points.

Why do ants reinfest?

Ants return to homes for five main reasons:

Our homes are attractive just because they are there and offer shelter and nesting space.

We often landscape and maintain the exterior in ways that promote ant infestations. Most of these conducive conditions are never addressed, even after an ant infestation is noted. See the above referenced ANT PREVENTION for more info.

Ants establish scent trails to food sources and between nest sites. These trails are reinforced every time they are used. The chemicals involved in this process may take years to dissolve naturally.

The ants in your home are often just a small part of a related ant colony that still views your home as desirable once any control materials break down.

In some areas there are just a lot of ants and they experience population pressure and your home is a highly suitable site for nesting.