Top Facts About Ants

1. Diverse Species

There are over 12,000 known species of ants, but scientists believe there could be as many as 20,000 different species.

2. Communication Skills

Ants communicate with each other through chemicals called pheromones. These chemical signals help ants find food, alert others to danger, and maintain colony cohesion.

3. Long Lives

While worker ants usually live for a few months, queen ants can live for over a decade. Queen ants are responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the colony's population.

4. Super Strength

Ants are incredibly strong for their size. Some species can lift objects that are up to 50 times their own body weight.

5. Trail Following

When ants find food, they leave a trail of pheromones to guide other ants to the food source. This behavior allows ant colonies to efficiently gather resources and exploit food sources.

6. Complex Societies

Ants have highly organized colonies with intricate social structures. Each colony typically consists of a queen, workers, and sometimes soldiers or drones, each with specific roles.

Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly clean floors, countertops, and other surfaces to remove crumbs and spills. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills and food debris.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent ants from getting inside.

Remove Ant Trails

If you spot ants, clean the areas they frequent with soapy water or a vinegar solution. This helps remove pheromone trails that ants use to navigate and recruit others.

Manage Moisture

Fix any leaks and reduce excess moisture around your home. Ants are attracted to water sources, so keeping areas dry can help deter them.