Basic Ant Facts Every Arizona Homeowner Should Know

Ants are quite possibly the smartest and most interesting of all the known insects in world.  Ants can be found on just about every stretch of land across the planet with as many as fourteen thousand species existing today.  They live in very structured and highly organized colonies with strict social orders.  Ants have the ability to communicate, can work together at building, and have shown the drive to problem solve when the need arises.  Throughout the world ants have thrived as a species with their ability to adapt, utilize available resources, protect themselves, and by forming positive relationships with other species of insects.

An ant colony, which is where all ants base their existence, can last undisturbed for more then thirty years.  With new ants being born regularly new workers begin caring for the queen, then are sent out digging, seeking for food, and defending the nest.  A colony may have more then single queen and it is also possible that a colony not even have a queen.  An ant queen may live for thirty years, while the lifespan of a worker ant may live only one to three years.  The male ants have the shortest time spent alive surviving only one to three weeks.  The male ant has only one purpose and after breeding is complete, the females then kill them off.

In some culture around the world ants are seen as cuisine, others have used medicinally, and some ants are just plain pests.  Many people in Arizona come across ants and do not think about them as a food source, but instead a very annoying pest.  This holds true especially in the case of the aggressive red imported fire ant, and with fire ants in general.  Living in Arizona you will come across fire ants and may not find them very fascinating if you are faced with a painful sting.  Fire ants are usually found in a brownish red color, as well as in a black body.  Fire ants will build their nests or mounds under large boards, rocks, and various other objects.  The fire ant thrives in warm areas, which makes the Arizona desert communities a perfect breeding ground.  The sting or bite of a fire ant is most cases is not lethal, however small children may be prone to multiple bites on their hands, feet, legs if they step on a fire ant mound.  In the case of blistering after a bite it is recommended to seek out medical advice.  Some people who are allergic to insect bites may show signs of sweating, chest pains, nausea, and other general discomforts.  It will be important to find medical attention if you are showing sigs of an allergic reaction.

Here in Arizona there are several common species of ants besides the fire ant.  Many other ants will not be as troublesome as the fire ant, such as the seed-harvester ants, leaf-cutter ants, the honey pot ants, and the army ants.  The primary goal of all ants is to seek food and continue the growth and success of their colony.  When ants enter your Arizona home, it is food that is attracting them to enter.  For more information on ants call you local Arizona pest control expert today.