Ants
Interesting facts about ants
Ants are insects from the Hymenoptera order and are responsible for the cycling of organic matter, preying on some insect pests of lawns and helping on soil aeration. On the other hand, they can infest structures, promoting damage and destruction of building structures as well as food.
They can also carry diseases through their bodies that can be spread to food plants, restaurants, and hospitals. Some species of ants are poisonous, due to their venomous stings and bites with formic acid. Check out more interesting facts about ants underneath……
Types of ants
There are over 13,000 identified species of ants. Here some of the most common ones.
Formicinae Subfamily
Carpenter ant:
These polymorphic workers measure 7 – 13mm, live in hollow areas above the ground, feed on a variety of plant and animal materials and are considered a nuissance.
Crazy ant:
These monomorphic workers measure 2 – 4mm, have long anteannae and legs and have a fast, jerky and erratic running behaviour. They have a seasonal preference for a high-protein diet.
Dolichoderinae Subfamily
Argentine ant:
These monomorphic workers measure about 3,5mm, build huge colonies and are very difficult to control with baits. They have more than one queen.
Ghost ant:
These monomorphic workers measure just 2mm, have a dark head and thorax but white legs. They’re easily transported through plant vases and are able to make multiple nests.
Myrmicinae Subfamily
Pharaoh ant:
These monomorphic workers measure about 2mm, are a yellowish brown, have 12 segmented antennae and don’t sting.
Red imported fire ant:
These polymorphic workers measure 2-7mm, have 10 segmented antennae, make small to large mounds and are aggressive when disturbed. Their sting is quite painful.
How can we help?
Get in touch with a T.N.I agent in your country and let us know what issue you have with this pest. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.