Quantum Units Education®

1. There are over 12,000 species of ants throughout the world. In California, there are about 200 species but fewer than a dozen are important pests .

2. An ants body isn't constricted, giving it the appearance of having no waist; just like a termites body. This makes it hard for the common person to identify both pests properly.

3. Ants usually nest in soil; nest sites vary with species but are often found next to buildings, along sidewalks, or in close proximity to food sources such as trees or plants that harbor honey­dew producing insects. They also construct nests under boards, stones, tree stumps or plants, and sometimes under buildings or other protected places.

4. Argentine ants differ from most other ant species in that their nests are often shallow, extending just below the soil surface.

5. Argentine ant colonies are not like other ant species. The are very aggressive with other ant colonies and have a stinging bite.

6. Ant management requires diligent efforts and the combined use of mechanical, cultural, sanitation, and often chemical methods of control. It is unrealistic and impractical to attempt to totally eliminate ants from an outdoor area.

7. Baits are insecticides mixed with materials that repel worker ants looking for food. They are a key tool for managing ants and the only type of insecticide recommended for inside situations.

8. To improve bait effectiveness, be sure to remove any particles of food or other attractive material from cracks around sinks, pantries, and other ant-infested areas. For the most effective and eco­nomical control, use baits only when there is an ant problem.

9. A new colony is typically established by a multiple mated queens. Af­ter weeks or months of confinement underground, she lays her first eggs. After the eggs hatch, she feeds the white, legless larvae with her own metabolized wing muscles and fat bodies until they pupate. Several weeks later, the pupae trans­form into sterile female adult work­ers, and the first workers dig their way out of the nest to collect food for themselves, for the queen (who continues to lay eggs), and for subse­quent broods of larvae.

10. Ants prefer to make trails along struc­tural elements, such as wires and pipes, and frequently use them to enter and travel within a structure to their desti­nation. Indoors, eliminate cracks and crevices wherever possible, especially in kitchens and other food preparation and storage areas.

11. The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is common in 12 southern states, and has recently been found infesting numerous residential and commercial areas. The spread of these ants has largely been a result of the movement of infested soil to uninfested areas.

12. Red imported fire ant workers are uniform in size (1 inch long) and dark reddish brown. Unlike our native southern fire ant (Solenopsis xyloni) and harvester ant (Pogonomyr­mex californicus), the red imported fire ant can quickly produce many nests and colonize a yard.

13. In areas that are not disturbed, red imported fire ants typically make crater shaped holes that are about 18 inches across and about 8 to 12 inches deep. They resemble large squirrel holes or look like crumbly earth with small holes; these nests readily distinguish red imported fire ant colonies from other ant colonies.

14. The red imported fire ant’s sting is a serious concern to people and their pets. Venom injected into the skin causes a burning sensation (hence the name “fire ant”).

15. A single red imported fire ant can sting its victim, but like bees, they soon die after stinging their victim. Symptoms start as a burning and itching sensation followed by the formation of a white pustule, which takes several weeks to disappear. The pustules can become infected if not kept clean and may leave permanent scarring.

16. A small percentage of the human popu­lation is allergic to these fire ant stings. If a person experiences chest pains, nausea, dizziness, or shock, they should seek emergency medical assistance imme­diately after a stinging incident. Avoid medical emergencies by teaching chil­dren and visitors about fire ants.

17. The fire ant life cycle, like that of other social Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps), consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The egg, larval, and pupal stages occur within the underground nest and are only seen when nests are disturbed or when they are being carried to a dif­ferent location by workers.

18. Most larvae develop into sterile worker ants, all of them male and wingless. However, some larvae in the colony receive extra food during their devel­opment and become much larger than the larvae destined to become work­ers. These larger larvae will develop into warrior ants.

19. Fire ants feed on almost any plant or animal material, including other insects, ticks, ground-nesting animals, young trees, seedlings, plant buds, developing fruits, and seeds. In addition to their stings, the red imported fire ant causes problems by building its nests around trees, yard plants, pipes, and in the walls of structures.

20. For long term control a bait containing an insect growth regulator (IGR), is recommended. However, IGRs are slow acting, requiring 4 to 6 weeks for maximum efficacy.