The words “sugar ants” conjure images of ants scurrying across the kitchen counter and getting into your fruits, veggies, and sugar bowl. It’s an unpleasant image to be sure. No one wants ants spoiling their snacks, meals, or holiday barbecues. They’re unsanitary, annoying, and can easily ruin your day. But while the term “sugar ants” evokes very specific images, there’s actually no such species as “sugar ants.” It’s actually a catchall term for a surprisingly wide variety of insects. Learn more about the many species that are called “sugar ants” and what you can do about it.
Some of the most common ants referred to as “sugar ants” include Pavement Ants, Odorous House Ants, Argentine Ants, Crazy Ants, Little Black Ants, Ghost Ants and more. Which ants you are likely to encounter depends heavily on where you live. In the Northeastern United States, the most common species of sugar ant you are likely to encounter are Pavement Ants or Odorous House Ants. On the West Coast, Argentine Ants are more common. As they are different species, different treatments are necessary to get rid of them.
If you are looking for an all-natural solution to your ant problem, there are a number of essential oils that can be effective repellants for many ant species. The EPA refers to these products as “Minimum Risk Pesticides,” and they are exempt from organization registration requirements. The active ingredients in these products include clove, cedar, lemongrass, mint, and even thyme oils. When applied correctly, these essential oils can kill on contact and can serve as a short-term ant repellant. However, because they function as a natural barrier it’s perfectly possible that it will alter ant behavior instead of actually getting to the root of your problem.
Baited traps are another retail option for ant control, but they are also not great at striking the root of the problem. Traps largely target workers who don’t reproduce. Because they can’t leave the trap and ant-killing products they pick up won’t be taken back to the nest. There are options other than traps that work a bit better, including bait feeding stations.
Of course, if you really want to solve your ant problems, the pest solution is to call a professional pest control company.
Once you get your ant problem under control it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. Good sanitation is a first step. Keep your kitchen clean and make sure to sweep up leftover food particles and make sure that you keep the area around your garbage can clean. Leaky faucets can attract thirsty insects, to make sure that you keep your plumbing in good repair. Ants will readily infest your sinks and toilets to get at your water supply, especially if it’s been a dry season.
Ants are likely to come in from outside so it’s important to seal and cracks or gaps they could use to get in from outside. Trimming shrubs, trees, and other plants that can rub up against your home is another important preventative technique.
If ants are an ongoing concern, Viking offers a variety of year-round home pest protection plans that cover ants and dozens of other pests. You can learn more on the Viking website or you can call for a free estimate today!