Around the world, there are more than 12,000 types of ants. In the United States, there are upwards of 1,000 ant species. Out of those, there are nearly 25 that are known to infest homes. Here in Pawleys Island, there are just a handful of ants that we regularly deal with, including odorous house ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants.

Ants are capable of biting humans, but their bite is not painful. However, some species—like the fire ant—can inflict a painful sting. Most ants do not bite humans and are generally not considered dangerous, however, it is important to remember that some species can bite and sting, introduce diseases, damage electrical wires and equipment, and contaminate food sources.

Ant colonies can grow to contain more than 10,000 members, and some can even branch into super-colonies wherein multiple nests and colonies cooperate. Ants are known to be very social insects. They live in colonies with a leader queen ant as well as worker ants. In fact, most ant species contain four different types of ants: the queen, drones, female workers, and reproductives. The average lifespan of an ant colony varies—fire ant colonies, for example, can live up to seven years! The larger the ant mound, the more mature and large the colony within.

Ants are considered omnivores for feeding on both plant and animal matter. Depending on the species and the time of year, they will be attracted to protein, sweet and greasy substances. Spilled foods, crumbs, and pet food left out in the open appeal to ants. Ants also need water to survive. Excess moisture in the kitchens or bathrooms from leaky pipes and faucets will often draw ants into the home. Thankfully, you can easily prevent ants by limiting the things they are attracted to in your home.

Ants live outdoors in underground nests. When seeking food, water, and shelter ants can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, any gaps or openings in exterior walls, vents drains, or cables. Ants also sneak in underneath garage and exterior doors and through holes in window screens and gaps around windows and doors. When scout ants find a food source in your home they will lay down a chemical trail for other ants to follow. This is why a small ant problem can suddenly get much worse in a matter of days.

During certain times of the year, ants will swarm in order to mate. This is the cause of why you may see flying ants in your home. These winged ants are called “reproductives”. When a colony is expanding, the reproductives come out of the colony to mate. These flying ants are often confused with termites, however, ants have thinner waists and shorter wings. If flying ants are seen in the home in the winter, it’s an indication that ants are living within the structure. 

Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants will all nest in walls and protective voids in homes, especially during the colder months. Ants will enter homes through cracks and crevices to access food and moisture resources indoors that they lack outdoors. Once inside your warm walls, they can chew through and damage electrical wiring causing a potential fire hazard. Other than your walls, ants will hide in cracks in your bedroom, living rooms, basements, air conditioning and heating units, and more.

Ant activity dips in the winter, but they don’t disappear completely. Ants will often prepare for the winter by seeking out warm places deep within soil or under rocks to wait out the cold months ahead. They also will consume a large amount of food in the fall to put on fat in order to overwinter. Their movements become sluggish, and colonies will hunker down in clusters until the warm weather returns.

Ants pose the biggest threat to properties with the destruction certain species can cause. Here in Pawleys Island, the carpenter ant is considered to be very dangerous because of their wood-destroying habits. While not as dangerous as termites, their activity can cause structural damage over time. Tawny crazy ants are also considered dangerous for their habit of nesting in electronics. Once inside, they can chew on wires and create a fire hazard.

Ants can be extremely difficult to get rid of, and unfortunately, DIY ant pest control is mostly ineffective and can be dangerous if not used properly. If you spot one ant or a trail of ants in your home, follow the trail to locate their entry point. Entry points can include baseboards along walls, underneath doors, plumbing fixtures, and cabinets. Seal entry points with a silicone-based caulk and spray undiluted vinegar along the trail. Repair leaky plumbing and eliminate food sources by storing foods in containers, cleaning floors, and sanitizing all surfaces. Always call your local ant exterminators when you are having recurring infestations.