Pest Control—Ants

Ants are pests, whether indoors or out. They can ruin a picnic, damage wood support beams, and protect the pesky aphid in your garden. But ants also keep termites from establishing colonies in our homes and will eat the eggs and larvae of fleas, flies, spiders and bed bugs. And they help breakdown organic matter to build soil.

Try to identify the type of ant, and whether it should be of concern before deciding to eliminate a colony. The most destructive variety, carpenter ants, live in wood and can destroy support beams much like termites. Most common, though, is the small, brown Argentine ant which nests outdoors, is drawn to sweets and will eliminate other ants. The light yellow or reddish pharoah ant nests inside of buildings and isn't picky in its choice of foods. Other ant species include the reddish thief ant, attracted to meats and grease, and the brown or black pavement ant, which can nest in foundations.

For more steps and ways to control ants, as well as what products to avoid and which The Green Guide recommends, read our Ant Control Product Report, free through September 30th.