General description of ants (different types)

Ants are social insects belonging to the family Formicidae and are found in a wide variety of climates and habitats. There are over 12,000 species of ants, each with unique characteristics and specific habits. Here is an overview of the most common types of ants and their particularities:

1. Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.)

The carpenter ant measures between 6 and 25 mm in length, making it one of the largest of its species. Also, one of its distinguishing characteristics is that both male and female adults are winged at the time of mating. Carpenter ants are known to tunnel into wood, although they do not consume it like termites. These black or brown ants tunnel into damp or damaged wood, which can cause significant damage to building structures. They are often found in attics, basements, and timber framing.

2. Fire ants (Solenopsis spp.)

Fire ants are easily identified by their reddish color and aggressive behavior. They are capable of stinging multiple times, injecting a venom that causes severe pain and a burning sensation. These ants build their nests in the ground, often in the form of visible mounds, and vigorously defend their territory.

3. Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis)

Pharaoh ants, small and light yellow to red in color, are household pests that prefer warm, humid environments. They multiply rapidly in places like kitchens and bathrooms. They form large multi-queen colonies and are known to contaminate food and transmit pathogens.

4. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)

Pavement ants are dark brown ants that typically live under pavement slabs or around building foundations. They are attracted to crumbs and sugary food residue and can quickly invade a home if a large colony is present. They also aid in the decomposition process by recycling organic matter.

5. Leaf-cutter ants (Atta and Acromyrmex)

Leafcutter ants are mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They cut pieces of leaves to cultivate a specific type of fungus, which is their main food source. This behavior can cause losses in agricultural plantations, as they can strip large areas in a short time.

Due to their diversity, ants play a variety of ecological roles, from decomposing organic matter to pollination, while sometimes being household pests.

How to Get Rid of Ants Effectively: Solutions and Prevention

Ants can quickly invade a home or outdoor space, looking to feed and establish their colonies. Fortunately, there are some solutions that actually work to effectively eliminate them and prevent their return. In this article, we’ll explore four proven methods for treating ant infestations, as well as prevention tips to keep them from coming back.

Greenway Ant Gel: A Targeted and Sustainable Solution

Greenway Ant Gel is a great choice for targeting ant colonies precisely. This gel contains a poisoned bait that attracts worker ants, who then bring it back to the colony to feed the queen and other members. This process destroys the entire colony at the source, without having to treat each individual by hand. The treatment is simple, when the queen indigests the bait that has been brought back to the nest, she dies, eliminating the colony from the inside.

The major advantage of this gel is its long-term effectiveness. A few drops are enough for an infested area, and it continues to work for several weeks. In addition, it is easy to use in hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks, corners of cabinets or behind appliances. It is important to apply the gel to areas where signs of activity have been seen. 

Benefits :

• Easy to apply
• Attack the entire colony
• Effective in the long term
• Precise targeting without having to cover large areas

Diatomaceous earth: a natural and non-toxic solution

Diatomaceous earth is another effective solution against ants. It is a powder composed of microscopic algae fossils, whose abrasive texture pierces the ants' shells, gradually dehydrating them until they die. This treatment is ideal for those looking for a natural and non-toxic solution, as diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets when used correctly.

To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around ant entry points, such as doors and windows, or directly on infested areas. This product works effectively against a wide variety of pests while remaining environmentally friendly.

Benefits :

• Natural and non-toxic
• Effective against different types of insects
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Safe for humans and pets

Onguard Pro-Perm: a powerful protective barrier

Onguard Pro-Perm , an insecticide product that we distribute, is specially formulated to provide long-lasting protection against ants and other harmful insects. This product works by creating a protective barrier around your home or garden. Once applied, it acts by contact: when ants come into contact with the treated area, they are eliminated.

This product is ideal for those who want a preventative and proactive solution. It is weather resistant, making it particularly effective for outdoor applications. In addition, its fast and long-lasting action sets it apart from other solutions.

Benefits :

• Long term protection
• Effective against a wide range of insects
• Ideal for outdoor use
• Weather resistant formula

Terro Liquid Baits: A Discreet Solution for Indoors

Terro Liquid Baits are ideal for indoor use, where ants are more likely to forage. Similar to Greenway Gel, these baits attract worker ants, who consume the poisoned liquid and bring it back to their colony. This process can eradicate the colony within days.

Terro baits are very easy to install in strategic locations such as kitchen counters, pantries or near windows. They are discreet and do not require handling once placed, making them practical for home use.

Benefits :

• Easy to install and use
• Discreet and safe around children and pets when placed correctly
• Eliminate the entire colony
• Ideal solution for indoor use

Prevention: How to avoid a new ant infestation

Once the ants have been eliminated, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid their return. Here are some practical tips:

• Regular cleaning : Some types of ants are attracted to food, especially sugars. Clean up crumbs, spills, and leftover food immediately to avoid giving them a reason to enter your home.
• Collect dead tree stumps and branches from your property and store the firewood some distance from your home (not directly to the side).
• Proper Food Storage : Store food in airtight containers, especially those containing sugar or grains. Ants can smell food from a distance, and proper storage can discourage them.

Eliminate water sources : Ants also need water to survive. Fix any water leaks, and don't leave standing water around the house.

Dangers and damage caused by different types of ants

Ants, although generally small, can cause various types of damage depending on their species. Here are the most significant impacts of the most common types of ants:

1. Carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are particularly destructive to wooden structures. They tunnel into damp or rotting wood to establish their colony, causing significant structural weakness. Although they do not consume wood like termites, the tunnels they create compromise the integrity of the structure, which can require costly repairs. These ants are especially attracted to damp areas, such as beams or spaces behind bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Fire ants

Known for their aggressiveness, fire ants (or red ants) pose a health risk. They inject a painful venom when they sting, causing pain and severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, and their stings can be dangerous to children and pets. In addition to posing risks to human health, they can cause damage to agricultural crops and can alter ecosystems by displacing other species.

3. Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are a major problem in indoor environments, including hospitals, homes, residences, and more. Although they are small, they can contaminate medical equipment and spread pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus, posing high health risks. Their ability to hide in tiny spaces makes their eradication difficult.

4. Pavement ants

Pavement ants, often found around sidewalks and foundations, can invade homes in search of food. They are attracted to fatty and sugary foods and can contaminate food spaces when they invade a home in large numbers. While not dangerous in themselves, they can be difficult to control and cause major inconveniences for residents.

5. Odorous ants

Odorous ants give off a coconut-like odor when crushed, but they are mostly annoying because of their numbers. They invade spaces in large numbers and contaminate food, especially when they find sugary sources. Although they do not pose a direct health hazard, their large presence can make a living space uncomfortable and unsanitary.

Understanding the differences between these species allows us to take appropriate measures to manage them and limit their impact, whether by using traps, repellents or by strengthening hygiene and prevention measures.

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