Not All Ants Are Cute Little Ants

Ants may seem like harmless little bugs, but in truth there are several species that can cause harm to humans and our homes. Here are a few to watch out for.

Fire Ants

Fire ants can be deadly creatures; they sting repeatedly and will sting as a group. Some people are allergic to the stings and others can get permanent scarring. Fire ants will damage plants, lawns, and outdoor electrical fixtures

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants can cause considerable damage to your home. They don’t eat wood construction like termites, but compromise the structural integrity of homes by building their nests in the wood and burrowing to make paths to their nests. Carpenter ants don’t sting, but they do bite and those bites can be painful.

Army Ants

Army ants are some of the most damaging ants around. They are nomadic bugs that travel in packs, have big colonies and are very aggressive. They are carnivores and their bites are very painful, as a group they are capable of eating small livestock, such as goats, pigs, or chickens.

Preventing Ants from Entering the Home

Even the everyday ant can be a nuisance, so the best way to protect ourselves is to keep ants out of our homes.

Make sure all areas around the house are sealed. Check for cracks in the foundation as well as around windows.
Make sure windows and screens are closing properly; even a small gap is enough for ants to find their way inside.
Make sure doors are also closing properly; this is another area that ants will squeeze in.
Keep the house clean by making sure to wipe up spills and crumbs. Wash dishes after you use them and take garbage out frequently, don’t let it pile up.
Pet food areas should also be kept clean. A piece of carpet under a pet food dish can be washed frequently.

Getting Rid of Ants in the Yard

Keeping ants out of our homes is one thing, but if we can keep them out of our yard, we won’t have to worry about them coming into our homes. The best way to get rid of ants is to go to the source, their nest. There are different kinds of pesticide or traps that can be used depending on what type of ant is invading your yard. Sometimes it is hard to find the nest, so consulting a professional might be the best way.

Home Remedies to Deter Ants

If you have kids or pets around your home and are concerned about some of the pesticides, there are some safe remedies you can try to get rid of those everyday ants that come along

Vinegar can be sprayed around your doorways and windows; you can even use it on your counters. Vinegar has been an effective method for killing ants in their hive.
Cinnamon can be sprinkled in the path of the ants, they don’t like it, and so they won’t cross the cinnamon line. This won’t kill them; just deter them from coming around.
Diatomaceous earth can be put around your house both inside and out, make sure you are using food grade. It will not be effective if it gets wet and it will take some time to work, but since they take it back to the hive, it can get rid of the problem permanently.
You can also use talcum powder to deter ants, they don’t like it and won’t cross it.

What to Do If You Get an Ant Bite

If you do get bit by any type of ant and exhibit allergic symptoms, seek medical help immediately. For non-life threatening bites, you can treat them at home using ice, calamine lotion or aloe vera to take away the sting and help with any itching.