It’s inevitable that small insects will make their way into hummingbird feeders. But once ants find that sugary treat, they can become a real nuisance, forming a seemingly unending trail to the sweet buffet.

Though ants aren’t harmful to hummingbirds, they will likely make the feeder less attractive. If ants have honed in on your sweet stash, here’s how to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeders.

What Is Attracting Ants to My Hummingbird Feeder?

Ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders for the same reason hummingbirds are: sugar is an important source of calories for them. And once any of that sugar water spills, it’s especially likely to catch their attention.

“If you have a bottle-type feeder, these are more likely to leak,” says Jamie Simo, manager at Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. Leaks are especially common when it’s hot and the feeder is too full, she says, because hot air expands, pushing the nectar out of the feeding ports and other gaps.

How to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Keep it Clean

Feeders with spilled sugar are more likely to attract ants, so fix any leaks in the feeder and, when hanging it, try not to let sugar water drip out, says David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. “While ants at the feeder are an annoyance, focus on prevention and physical barriers to deter them,” he says.

For hummingbird safety, it’s also vital to replace the liquid and clean your feeder every few days (or every day or two in extremely hot weather) to prevent mold and spoiling. “It can’t be stated enough: moldy sugar water can kill hummingbirds,” says Simo.

Use Ant Moats and Anti-Ant Feeders

Some hummingbird feeders have built-in ant moats that you fill with water, which are effective since ants can’t swim, says Simo. If your feeder didn’t come with a moat, you can purchase ones that either hang above the feeder or mount to the pole below. You can also try hanging your feeder over a water source, like a pond or bird bath.

Try a New Location

If your feeders are still getting swarmed by ants, try moving them to a new spot, says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist with Mosquito Squad. “Hummingbirds will still find and visit your feeders, even if you move them to a new location.”

What NOT to Do to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Never use pesticides to kill ants at a feeder. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly and indirectly by killing non-target insects that hummingbirds eat and contaminating the nectar that they feed to their young, says Mizejewski.

Also, never use oils, grease or anything sticky near the feeder or on the pole to deter ants, all of which could harm hummingbirds by destroying their feathers, plus harm squirrels, making them unable to thermoregulate, says Simo. “Also, if the substance is toxic, it could harm or even kill the animal if ingested,” she says.

In general, to protect hummingbirds, never use red dyes in your sugar water, and if you make your own, use refined, white granulated sugar, says Simo. “Natural sugar has too much iron for hummingbirds and can harm them,” she says. Simo also recommends avoiding feeders with yellow flowers if wasps and bees frequent your yard, since yellow attracts them.

FAQ

Will ants in my hummingbird feeder hurt the hummingbirds?

Not directly. But ants that drown in the sugar water will make the feeder less attractive to hummingbirds. Ants can also clog feeder ports and cause the water to mold more quickly, especially in hot weather, says Simo.

What do hummingbirds eat?

Hummingbirds get energy from sugar in flower nectar and hummingbird feeders, but they also need protein and other nutrients to survive. “Believe it or not, hummingbirds feed on ants and other small bugs like aphids, gnats and mosquitoes,” says Crumbley.

About the Experts

• David Mizejewski is a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation and author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife. He spends his life exploring and observing the natural world and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening.
• Jamie Simo is manager and trip leader at the Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. She holds a B.A. in environmental science and is a Denver Audubon Master Birder with a passion for educating others on how to care for natural resources.
• Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at Mosquito Squad and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.

Sources

Bill Freimuth, Vice President of Sales at Centurion Brands.

The post How Do I Keep Ants Out of my Hummingbird Feeder? appeared first on Family Handyman.

We all want to put out the welcome mat for visitors at our home. But what do you do if you find unwelcome crawling guests like ants and spiders finding their way inside the kitchen or family den? Insects can use gaps in your door and window frames and hairline cracks in the foundation to make their way into your home.

In a viral TikTok video showcasing a home improvement hack, a man uses WD-40 around the exterior of a window to keep ants and spiders from using the location as an entry point.

Is this familiar product in the blue and yellow can the answer to keeping ants and spiders outside where they belong?

Does WD-40 Repel Spiders and Insects?

@tik.tok.made.me.do.it #stitch @GATOR for the win with this bug repellent hack. Thanks!! #fyp #bugs #wd40 #bees #wasps #bugrepellent #hackapproved #jmg8tor original sound – TikTok Made Me Do It

You probably have a can of this reliable fix-it house product in the garage right now. Videos on social media claim that WD-40 can be applied to the areas around window and door frames to create a deterrent for ants and spiders seen near entry points of the home.

However, Ian Williams, a board-certified entomologist and Technical Services Manager with Orkin, does not recommend homeowners use products like WD-40 to deter ants and spiders. “These products are not intended for pest control,” says Williams, adding, “I’ve seen some recent stories and social media posts about using WD-40, applied around windows and doors, to create ‘an invisible barrier’ that pests can’t penetrate. However . . . they rarely contain the answers to why and/or how a recommendation actually works.”

Williams warns against turning to social media for pest control tips in general. “The DIY recommendations shared on social media often mean well, but they are rarely based on science,” he says.

Is It Safe to Use WD-40 as an Insect Repellent?

WD-40 is not a safe insect repellent for people and pets. “It is crucial to follow the instruction labels on all household products, no matter their use around the home,” says Williams. “Misusing household products can cause serious injuries to residents in the home, and they will likely not address the root of pest issues.”

Other Homemade Ways to Keep Pests Out

There are many homemade methods to keep pests out of your home. “Individual insects are actually easy to eliminate with all sorts of products,” says Williams. “Even soap and water if you contact them directly. The key to selecting the appropriate product is something that is toxic to insects, minimally toxic to non-targets (like people and pets), won’t damage surfaces or paint, and will last long enough on a surface to be effective between applications.”

Natural, easy-to-make sprays include a combination of ingredients like peppermint oil, vinegar, citrus peels, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. These mixtures can be used to make spray solutions, which can be put in a clean bottle with a nozzle and applied to window and door frames, hairline cracks, or gaps where you have observed the activity of ants or spiders.

However, Williams notes that homemade solutions are not the best option. “There are several DIY pest control methods that may help with pests for a short period of time. But to best understand where the pests are coming from and to have a proper treatment solution, contact a professional.”

When to Call a Professional

If there are large numbers of ants and spiders making themselves at home near entry points of your home, it is time to turn away from TikTok hacks and consult a professional. Pest experts are trained to recognize the variety of shapes and sizes of ant and spider species trying to find their way into your home.

“The best way to prevent and treat pests like ants and spiders is to call professional pest experts. Our trained professionals can provide tailored solutions to effectively manage and prevent pest infestations.”

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends working with a qualified pest control professional who has an understanding of specific pest habits and can identify pest entry points as well as address infestations based on the homeowner’s specific location and needs.

“Pesticides that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have gone through rigorous testing,” says Williams. “They have labels that describe exactly how to use them, legally, to be effective while minimizing any environmental impacts.”

About the Expert

Ian Williams is a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager with Orkin.

Sources

• Orkin
• WD-40: “Explore Myths, Legends & Fun Facts of the Blue and Yellow Can”
• Pest World

The post Can WD-40 Keep Spiders and Ants Away? An Expert Weighs In appeared first on Family Handyman.

Identify The Species

The most important step to properly getting rid of house ants is to identify the species you are dealing with, says Cody James Pace, an entomologist with Terminix. “Each species has its own biology and characteristic behaviors, so there are certain things you would do for one species that may not work for others.”

One way to identify what species you’re dealing with is to ask the community on iNaturalist or someone from your local university extension office.

The post 13 Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Ants appeared first on Family Handyman.

That drip may attract invasive sugar ants, which are a huge hassle to have in your home. Below are some ways to get rid of them.

But please keep in mind that outside of your house, many species of native ants are important members of the natural world. Some even protect endangered butterflies and plants. So let those be, says Josiah Kilburn, who runs an ant research project at Morehead State University in Kentucky.

“You should not kill an ant outside unless you can confirm it is invasive,” Kilburn says. “Killing native ants only perpetuates the invasive pest species they compete with.”

To find which species are native, Kilburn recommends asking the community on iNaturalist or sending him an email. “I will gladly answer!” he says.

About the Experts

Mark Hoddle, Ph.D. is an entomologist at University of California, Riverside. He runs a research program focusing on controlling sugar ants in commercial citrus orchards.

James Trager, Ph.D., an entomologist with the Myrmecological News Blog,is writing a guide to the ants of Missouri.

Eric Braun is a board-certified entomologist and technical service manager for Terminix.

Walt Cline runs DIY Pest Control and has been licensed in pest control in Georgia since 1982.

Josiah Kilburn runs a research project at Morehead State University about the ants of Kentucky.

What Are Sugar Ants?

Sugar ant is a generic term used to describe the tiny ants that raid the spilled soda, honey and birthday cake left on our counters. Worldwide, thousands of ant species feed on natural sugars produced by plants and aphids. The ones you’re most likely to find in your home searching for human-made sweets include:

• Carpenter ants;
• Argentine ants;
• Crazy ants;
• Ghost ants;
• Odorous house ants;
• Immigrant pavement ants;
• Valentine (aka acrobat) ants;
• Pharaoh ants;
• Fire ants, although these are less common.

“A notorious sugar ant is the Argentine ant, a globally invasive pest,” says Hoddle. “This ant species forms long, linear trails from its underground nests to the food source.”

What Causes Sugar Ants in the House?

Sweet-tasting and protein-rich foods attract sugar ants. Water can, too, especially when it’s hot outside.

“Most ants prefer starches [sugar] during the summertime and proteins in the springtime,” says Cline. “Spring ants have to restore and build up the colony from a long winter, and protein is needed for this.”

Do Sugar Ants Bite?

No. All ant species can bite and some can sting, but it’s unlikely the ones in your house will do much of either. The exception: Fire ants, which will definitely bite.

“Most small ants do not bite, and if they did bite their mandibles are so small you would likely not feel it,” says Braun. “But larger ants, such as carpenter ants, give a little bit of a pinch.”

Some house ants also produce noxious scents. “However, most ants that enter houses are shy when interrupted from their feeding, and usually flee rather than act aggressively,” says Trager.

How To Get Rid of Sugar Ants

Sometimes it’s enough to clean counters frequently, empty trash cans regularly and store any food ants are attracted to in airtight containers. This includes pet food.

“As long as these guidelines are followed, a loan ant wandering in one’s house should not be cause for alarm,” says Trager. “Most likely she yes, all forager ants are genetically female is just searching for a treasure trove of food, which she won’t find, or perhaps is just lost.”

If that doesn’t work, here are some other strategies to try. Identifying the species can also tailor your strategy, because not all of these approaches work on all species.

Bait pesticides

Many pest-control experts use slow-acting non-repellent liquid or dust-based baits like Termidor or Taurus, which are sprayed on the outside of the home. Some species also respond to small indoor bait traps like Terro.

Either way, Hoddle says, “Ants eat the toxin-infused sugar matrix, return it to the nest and feed it to nest mates, including the reproductive queens. After a day or two, if the ants are taking the bait, colonies collapse and die as the toxin reaches a lethal concentration in the nest.”

If you go with small liquid baits, Cline recommends changing baits often, because the liquid tends to harden quickly.

Also:

• Choose a starch (sugar) or protein base, depending on the ants’ preference.
• Apply it along the interior or exterior perimeter.
• For some species, non-toxic diatomaceous earth can also work.
• Baits that aren’t slow-acting might work for a while. But they’ll ultimately kill the worker ants too quickly, before the pesticide becomes concentrated enough in the nest.

Most of these products claim to be safe for pets and children if you follow the manufacturer’s directions. That often includes only using them outdoors, avoiding contact with skin, not inhaling them, and keeping kids and pets far away until they’re dry.

“It’s important to always be cautious of where materials are applied,” says Braun. “Always obey labels, and ensure safety is the number one priority with applying products.”

Exclusion

Inspect the outside perimeter of your home for potential nests and ant entry points. Use caulk to plug any holes. “Keep in mind when looking for areas that ants can access, you will be looking for very, very small holes,” says Braun.

After sealing an ant entryway, pour a 50-50 mixture of dish soap and water over the ants’ trail to kill any in transit and remove pheromones. This was an old trick of Kilburn’s dad, and Kilburn researched the science behind why it works.

“You can also apply an insect slip barrier [made from Fluon, a Teflon-derivative chemical, or baby powder mixed with isopropyl alcohol] to whatever surface they would need to climb to access the sugar,” says Kilburn.

FAQs

What scents keep sugar ants away?

Essential oils of mint, catnip and cinnamon, as well as household disinfectants, vinegar, air fresheners and insect repellents, can have some effect. But they tend to be weak and wear off quickly, says Hoddle.

Does vinegar kill sugar ants?

Only by drowning them in the liquid, Hoddle and Kilburn say. It can, however, repel them. In some cases, it can also prevent ants from recognizing one another.

The post How To Get Rid of Sugar Ants In Your Home appeared first on Family Handyman.

Although they seem harmless and are important members of the ecosystem, the insects pose a health threat and can damage in your home. If youve ever been bitten by an ant, you know it’s not a pleasant experienceand you certainly dont want them nesting in your walls. Weve all heard horror stories about carpenter ants destroying the structural integrity of a home, so take the proper precautions now.

What is Amdro Ant Bait?

Amdro Ant Block is an exterior granular insecticide that kills 25 species of ants when ingested. To get rid of ants, apply the ant killer around the perimeter of your home with the convenient shaker bottle. Ants mistake it for food and carry the insecticide back to the colony. When the queen and her subjects eat the poison, the colony curtains. The active ingredient is a slow-acting hydramethylnon and lasts for up to three months. It can be used outdoors on lawns, on ant nests and around structures.

The container is easy to handle and easy to store. Plus, you dont have to mix anything or deal with messy liquids. The brands says you’ll see fewer ants within one week and it’ll take a month for the entire colony to be destroyed altogether.

Pros

• Kills 25 species of ants
• Easy to use
• Convenient shaker canister with handle
• Provides protection for three months
• Begins to kill ants in 24 hours
• Affordable price

Cons

• Can’t be used around vegetable gardens
• Not pet-friendly

$17.97 at Walmart

How to Use Amdro Ant Bait

Sprinkle a 1-foot-wide area around the perimeter of the house with the Amdro ant bait. Look for nests and trails where ants travel, and avoid applying the pest control product when heavy rains are expected. Then, wait for the insects to find the insecticide, which they’ll think is food, and bring it back to their colony. Voil! It’s only a matter of time until the critters are gone with the low toxicity solutionno ant exterminator needed.

The Best User Reviews

Ready for a solution that actually works? These reviewers are raving about the power of Amdro ant bait.

“We have crazy ants in one corner of the house for some reason, and we have tried everything from foggers to home remedies,” shares five-star reviewer, PrincessInMs. “I sprinkled this outside, and even though the label says it could take from one to four weeks to work, it worked much faster. I sprinkled it out on Sunday and by Tuesday there were very little ants outside and none inside.”

Carol, a verified purchaser, writes, “This is the only ant killer that ever made a difference in my yard. It took a little bit to work. I guess that is because it is bait that gets carried to the queen ant and then ends up destroying the entire mound, but with a little patience, it did definitely work.”

“Literally went from ants invading my house to zero ants within two days. I watched the ants on the porch picking the granules up to take back to the nest,” confirms Sherry, another five-star reviewer.

Where to Buy Amdro Ant Bait

Give ants their marching orders with 24 ounces of Amdro Ant Block, which is available at Walmartfor less than $17. You can also find it at Amazon, Lowesand Ace Hardwarefor under $20. Take charge and live ant-free!

$17.97 at Walmart

The post Amdro Ant Killing Bait: How to Use, Reviews, Pros & Cons appeared first on Family Handyman.

Not only that, but only about 40% of people can smell asparagus after eating it, and I can do that too. So I guess that puts me squarely in the minority.

However, I can’t smell ants but plenty of other people can, apparently. This wasn’t well-known until recently when it became the subject of debate on TikTok and Twitter. A Twitter poll indicated about 27% of respondents have this ability.

Some ants are known to be so pungent their names reflect it. (We’re looking at you, stink ants.) But can all people smell all types of ants? As it turns out, it depends who you ask.

Can People Smell Ants?

In a word, yes. House ants, which emit a distinctive smell when you crush them, are the most obvious example.

Chemicals called methyl ketones cause this odor. They’re also produced by the Penicillium mold that grows on rotting coconuts, giving blue cheese its pungent aroma. The sense of smell varies from person to person, so some people may not detect this odor as well as others. But there’s objective scientific evidence that it exists.

Other ants give off odors as well. Where there’s an odor, there will be noses capable of detecting it. Not everyone, perhaps, but certainly those with sensitive sniffers.

Why Can Some People Smell Ants?

The issue is controversial. Those who can smell ants are incredulous when they hear some people can’t, and vice versa.

The reason for the discrepancy is still a mystery. Some people attribute it to genetics, which may be valid in certain cases. Species like carpenter ants spray formic acid, which smells like vinegar. The ability to detect that could well be genetic.

A more likely reason is simply some people never tried. Ants are much more sensitive to smell than humans, and they use smell to communicate. Humans, who aren’t particularly noted in the mammalian world for their sense of smell, may not get close enough to ants to detect their odors.

Do All Ants Have a Smell?

Yes. All ants emit pheromones and have sensitive glands on their bodies to detect them. That’s how they send alarm signals, establish trails, distinguish members of their colony from intruders and identify the queen. These pheromones may not be strong enough for humans to pick up on.

Some definitely are, though. Citronella ants, aka larger yellow ants, are another example; they got their name from the citrus odor they emit when threatened. Even ants that aren’t known for a specific odor release oleic acid when they die, which smells like olive oil.

What To Do If You Smell Ants

If you have an infestation of house ants and you smell their distinctive coconut odor, handle it like any infestation. They like sweet and oily foods, so baiting them with sugary water or peanut butter laced with boric acid is the best way to kill the colony.

If you don’t want to make your own bait, buy a commercial bait station like Terro. You can use a similar baiting strategy to get rid of carpenter ants if you detect their vinegary smell. When you smell rancid olive oil, look for a bunch of dead ants in a dark corner or under a carpet and vacuum them up.

If you notice any other smells you think might be ant-related, congratulate yourself for being among the minority of humans with noses that sensitive. Then light a scented candle away from children, pets and drafts. And, of course, don’t leave the candle unattended.

The post Can People Smell Ants? appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you’ve ever seen the damage carpenter ants can do, you understand why it’s so important to control them.

My housemate used to see them regularly emerge from the wood slat ceiling of her bedroom during the summer. She tried fogging the room with cedar oil, spraying the ants with insecticidesand sealing gaps. When we removed part of the roof to fix a leak, we were shocked to discover the ants were the cause they ate through the decking.

Not all carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are black. But the two species you’re most likely to find in North America the Eastern carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) and the Western one (Camponotus modoc) are mostly black, and they’re hard to miss. C. pennsylvanicus is so noticeable it was the first named North American ant species.

The carpenter ant isn’t the only black kind, of course. Carpenter ants are often confused with the black garden ant, aka the common black ant (Lasius niger). A few dead giveaways make it easy to distinguish other black ants from carpenter ants.

Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants: What Do They Look Like?

Let’s start with size, because that’s the most noticeable difference. Compared to the others, carpenter ants are huge, reaching lengths between 1/2-in. and 5/8-inches. The largest competitor, the common black ant, is about half that size. Common black ant queens can grow to 1/3-in., but you’ll seldom see one.

If you zero in on physical characteristics, you’ll find carpenter ants have triangular heads instead of the rounded ones of other species. Their antennae are bent instead of straight. And the petiole, which connects the chest to the abdomen, is singular; other ants have two distinct sections. And carpenter ants grow wings during the mating season, which other black ants don’t.

It’s more common to confuse carpenter ants with termites. Both bore into wood, though termites actually eat it, while carpenter ants remove it to make nests. Both grow wings, and they’re almost the same size. Termites, however, are brown, not black, and don’t have segmented bodies like ants.

Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants: Where Do They Live?

Carpenter ants like soft, wet wood. That’s where the “carpenter” comes from. They burrow intricate tunnels by chewing through the wood and leaving the residue behind as sand-sized particles.

Any structure with a wooden frame is a potential home for carpenter ants, especially one with a moisture problem. If that’s your home, you may notice sawdust piles on your floors or windowsills underneath their colonies. If left untreated long enough, carpenter ants can weaken the framing and necessitate expensive repairs.

No other species of black ant lives like this. Most others prefer to live outdoors in mounds; under logs, rocks or pavement; and in vegetation. Common black ants are known as garden ants because they like to live close to aphids, which excrete their favorite sweet food honeydew.

Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants: Behavioral Differences

When any ants enter your home, it’s usually because they’ve discovered food. Black ants form trails between food sources and their colony. Occasionally they’ll establish a colony in the walls of the building, but usually it’s outside. If you have houseplants, they may be found underneath pots or containers, especially if you have aphids under the leaves.

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, spend their time burrowing into the framing. You may see a few emerging from a crack in the wall. When you do, you know you have an infestation. There will be hundreds more you can’t see in the rafters, wall framing or floor joists.

They don’t form trails, although many may congregate around a food source at once. They can travel up to 300 feet from their nest. They’re most active from just before dusk until dawn.

Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants: How To Get Rid of Them

Baiting is one of the most effective ways to get rid of ants. The bait mixes a poison like boric acid with a sweet food like honey, or an oily one like peanut butter, in the proper proportion. The ants bring the bait back to colony, and they all eat it and die.

Because carpenter ants are bigger than other types of black ants, it requires more poison to kill them. So it’s important to positively identify the ants so you can buy the right bait.

There are two potential problems with baiting, though. Some species of black ants form several colonies, and eliminating just one won’t stop an infestation. And carpenter ants can be finicky and cycle between sweet and oily foods. So you may have to use another strategy.

Following an ant trail to the wall where they emerged, then dusting behind the wall with boric acid or diatomaceous earth, can effectively kill them and divert their trail.

You can also spray the ants you see, and spray behind the wall to kill the ones you don’t. For this, we’ve found Orange Guard to be effective and safe enough to use around food. However, you probably won’t get all of them this way, especially if they’re carpenter ants burrowed deep into the framing. In the end, you may be better off hiring an exterminator.

The post Carpenter Ants vs. Black Ants: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Family Handyman.

These ants like it warm. They favor Southerly climates, although they manage to find their way into warm indoor environments in colder places. Colonies have been discovered in apartment buildings and greenhouses as far north as Winnipeg, Manitoba.

If you live in a climate where ghost ants can survive outdoors, you’re likely to find them swarming around the undersides of leaves. That’s where aphids and other insects leave deposits of honeydew, which ghost ants love. Like other ant species that relish the sweet, sticky stuff, ghost ants protect the producers from other predators, a symbiotic relationship that ensures a steady food source.

What Are Ghost Ants?

Ghost ants, also known as black-headed ants, are tiny, less than one-sixteenth of an inch. The head and thorax are dark brown, while the gaster (the bulbous hind part of the body) and legs are an almost translucent milky white.

When viewed on a light surface, the legs and gaster all but disappear, giving the impression of a disembodied head. On a dark surface, the head also disappears.

In North America, the ghost ant is well established in Florida and Hawaii while expanding to areas like southern Texas. In those places, outdoor colonies can be found under objects on the ground, under loose bark, in clumps of damp grass and even in flower pots. Colonies produce multiple sub-colonies, each with its own queen.

In Northern climates where ghost ants can’t survive outdoors, they frequently nest dark, protected and warm places inside walls, and between cabinetry and baseboards.

What Do Ghost Ants Eat?

Besides honeydew, ghost ants will feast on any sweet stuff they find on the kitchen floor. They also like protein, feeding on living and dead insects a diet perhaps more in tune with their name.

Signs of a Ghost Ant Infestation

By itself, a ghost ant may be hard to see, but collectively they’re far more visible. When you have an infestation, it will be obvious. The ants will form trails in your kitchen or anywhere else they can find sweets. If you crush one (or several), you’ll smell something resembling rotten coconuts.

Are Ghost Ants Harmful?

Yes, because they can contaminate food. If you see ghost ants swarming around a bowl of pudding you left on the table, throw it out, because you don’t know where they’ve been. They could have emerged from under the toilet or walked over a pile of mouse droppings behind the wall.

Ghost ants don’t have stingers. They can bite if they feel threatened, but it isn’t painful and you probably won’t notice it.

How To Get Rid of Ghost Ants

Ghost ants can be particularly difficult to eradicate. Even if you keep your house clean and dry, these tiny scavengers can find nourishment even when you don’t think there’s any around.

Store-bought baits containing boric acid in a syrupy solution, like Terro, can help eliminate a colony. The worker ants take the bait back to the nest and feed the queen. But because these ants form several colonies, this may be a temporary solution.

For more immediate relief, spray the ant trail with an oil-based pest control product like Orange Guard. It kills on contact, keeps ants away, and it’s safe to use around food.

If a trail leads to a particular opening in the wall or baseboard, try drilling a small hole and dusting behind the wall with boric acid or diatomaceous earth. You can also simply suck up the ants with a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool.

How To Keep Ghost Ants Away

Several safe, non-toxic products keep ghost ants from coming back. Make a spray by mixing one of the following with water:

• Peppermint oil;
• Vinegar;
• Lemon juice;
• Cinnamon;
• Cayenne or black pepper.

Spray frequently around areas where you’ve seen active trails.

It’s also important to trim vegetation around the outside of the house, because ghost ants may be nesting there. Check indoor plants as well. Seal gaps between baseboards and the walls and floor with caulk.

If all else fails, you may need to call a pro licensed to use pest control chemicals that aren’t available to homeowners.

The post A Homeowner’s Guide to Ghost Ants appeared first on Family Handyman.

One thing was sure: I needed an eco-friendly mosquito repellent for the yard that wouldnt harm me, my pets or the pollinators. Bees and butterflies are important to me, but the bugs that really bugged me simply had to go.

To protect myself, I wore long sleeves, jeans, hats, and rubber boots up to my knees. As the summer temperatures rose, I knew this wasnt sustainable, and I needed to find a solution to my bug problem. This is where the Wonderside Flea and Tick Spray comes into the picture.

What is Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray?

Wondercide Spray kills and repels ants, fleas, ticks and mosquitos at every lifecycle stage. This yard spray also takes care of Japanese beetles, crickets and gnats without using harmful chemicals.

When you’re ready to use the eco-friendly Wondercide Spray, simply attach the nozzle to your garden hose. You’ll quickly cover 5000 square feet without having to wait for a re-entry period. Its safe and non-toxic to wildlife, humans, pets, bees, and butterflies.

I love that a few women in Texas were on a mission to find a pet-safe alternative to the devastating side effects of pesticide exposure. They were invited to pitch their product on Shark Tank and now its available to us!

Chewy

Shop on Chewy

$44.99 at Amazon

$26.99 at PetSmart

I Tried It

Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray

Safe and non-toxic, this popular spray kills the pesky bugs in your yardonce and for all!

Shop on Chewy

$44.99 at Amazon

$26.99 at PetSmart

Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Product Features

Wondercide Spray is a safe and natural product that wont harm the environment, pets or people. Its so safe that you can spray and play without any waiting time.

Wondercide also makes indoor pest control spray and personal insect repellent in four different scents; cedarwood, lemongrass, rosemary and my favorite, peppermint. Plus, the brand has tested their products for efficacy and they are on-par with conventional insect repellents.

The product is safe to use around lakes, ponds and creeks, but tuck your chickens in while you spray to protect their sensitive respiratory systems.

How We Tested It

The first time I ordered Wondercide Yard Spray, I also ordered sample sizes of the people and pet insect repellent as well as a bar of dog shampoo.

As soon as the products arrived, I was chomping at the bit to try them out. Following the directions, I sprayed my entire lawn and the side of my house, including the window wells where spiders like to spin their webs. Per the instructions, I sprayed again a few days later.

Good-bye tall boots and long pants and hello flip-flops and shorts! With a healthy coating of Wondercide Spray on my lawn, I could finally enjoy summer pest-free.

The real test, however, was at my lake cottage where the mosquitos constantly swarm. I was certain they were breeding in a massive colony under my shady deck. After spraying the Wondercide Spray, we were able to enjoy dinner on the deck without being bitten. Again, we repeated the process a few days later to take care of any stragglers, and once every month thereafter. We were impressed with the long-term results, and will continue to use the product to keep pests at bay.

The sprayer covers a wide area, so treating your yard is fast and easy. Since it is recommended to avoid spraying while pollinators are active, I usually steer clear of the gardens and flower beds. Even though Wondercide is food-grade, I avoid the vegetable garden as a precaution.

For best results, be sure to use the product as directed, starting with two applications a few days apart. Avoid treating the area before rain, as this is a water soluble biodegradable product. Here’s what you should do if your pet has fleas.

Pros

• Natural ingredients
• Repels and kills mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, gnats, chiggers, fruit flies and Japanese beetles
• Environmentally friendly
• Safe for pets, humans and pollinators
• Ready-to-use spray applicator attaches to a hose
• Quick and easy to use
• Fast results
• Immediately safe to walk on
• Smells great
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Several applications are needed

FAQ

How do I get rid of mosquitoes in my yard without harming pets?

To get rid of pests without harming pets, avoid chemical formulas with toxic ingredients. Using a natural product like Wondercide is the best option. If you’re unsure if a product is okay to use around pets, please consult with your veterinarian before using it.

Is there a lawn spray that is safe for bees and butterflies?

Yes, there is a lawn spray that is safe for bees and butterflies. The Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray does not harm birds, bees or butterflies. However, caution should be taken to avoid spraying while pollinators are active.

Can I spray my own yard for ticks?

Yes, you can spray your own yard for ticks. It is a cost-effective alternative to using a commercial pest control company. Most commercial pest control companies charge hundreds of dollars to treat your property. These companies are licensed to use toxic chemicals, effectively killing mosquitoes and ticks.

However, these chemicals may pose a hazard to pollinators and pets. If you decide to spray your yard yourself, you can pick a spray that meets your needs without breaking the bank or harming animals.

What Amazon Reviewers Had to Say

Jessica Seely reviewed Wondercide on Amazon saying, I live in FL and bought this right before hurricane Ian to try to help with bugs because as I said…Florida. But THANKFULLY I waited till after the storm because we and everyone around has standing water in their yard. ABSOLUTE breeding ground for bugs. Felt very plague-ish, So yes I used double the amount needed but IT WORKS, maybe I didn’t need to go hog crazy but I am so happy with it, even having it on repeat order.

Works great on mosquitoes,” says SP, a verified Amazon customer. We have a 1500 sq ft backyard with a swamp behind the yard. We get tons of black flies and mosquitoes after the sun goes behind the woods. We didn’t want to use any dangerous chemicals as we have a 7-yr old often playing in the yard. Wondericide worked amazingly. Sprayed only on the plants just beyond our yard and that itself was sufficient. For the first time in 4 years since we have been here, we were outside sitting on the garden bench after sunset.

Michelle gave the Wondercide spray five stars saying, This is the best product I have ever bought. I was skeptical about trying this but I’m so very happy that I did. I have 3 dogs and 1 cat and none of them have had a single flea or tick. It’s so much safer and cheaper than going to the vet for medicine for the fleas and ticks. I will definitely be buying this product again guaranteed

Product Comparison Mosquito Repellent for Yard

You can find different types of pest repellents like sprays, candles, plants and ultrasonic devices that may help get rid of insects. However, a spray is the best option to treat the entire yard, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover.

Concerned about being eco-friendly? Wondercide encourages reusing the sturdy plastic spray bottle that the repellent comes in. Admittedly, I accumulated five empty bottles before I bought the concentrate and refilled the sprayers. I decided to bite the bullet and purchased the big 128-ounce concentrate, which lasted me through the summer and beyond.

To get started, consider buying the Refill Starter Kit bundle with the ready-to-use reusable applicator and the 16-ounce concentrate. This will give you three treatments and cover up to 5000 square feet.

Want to save money? Shop for concentrates and bundles, or take advantage of the Chewy and Wondercide auto-ship plans.

Final Verdict

The Wondercide Spray isn’t just a mosquito repellent for your yardit protects the entire family (including pets).

True confession: I am a Wondercide junkie. I keep a stash of my beloved spray tucked away in my basement (if you couldn’t tell by the many empty bottles in the cover image). With the help of this spray, I havent seen a spider in my house in a while, and Im not afraid to show skin in the backyard. Plus, my gardens are buzzing with bees and butterflies, and the organic vegetables and flowers are thriving. You don’t have to compromise to get proper protection for your yard.

Where to Buy the Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray

Chewy

Shop on Chewy

$44.99 at Amazon

$26.99 at PetSmart

I Tried It

Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray

This yard-control spray might've been seen on Shark Tank, but it's not just television magic! Family Handyman found this product does an excellent job at killing pest and bugs at every phase.

Shop on Chewy

$44.99 at Amazon

$26.99 at PetSmart

I highly recommend Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray to eradicate pesky bugs in your yard. Test my favorite Wondercide product for yourself by purchasing it at retailers like Chewy, Amazon and PetSmart.

The post Wondercide Flea and Tick Review: Is it the Best Tick Spray for Your Yard? appeared first on Family Handyman.

The key to keeping firewood ready is to keep it dry, which can only be accomplished through proper stacking and storing. Here are the best ways to stack and store firewood and keep it free of moisture.

Tips for Stacking Firewood

Stacking firewood properly is essential to ensuring the wood is properly dried and seasoned. Estimates for how long you should dry firewood assume that the wood is stacked and stored properly. If you keep your firewood in an unorganized pile, chances are high at least some of the logs will remain damp, waterlogged and mostly useless. While there are many variations of firewood stacking methods, all tend to follow the same basic principles:

• The cut ends should be left out in the open and exposed to the elements.
• The wood should be kept off the ground and at least a couple of inches away from any walls.
• The wood should be stacked loosely enough that it can breathe and dry, letting out any remaining moisture.
• Position the stack in direct sunlight.

How to Store Firewood

Keep the bulk of your wood outdoors. All kinds of bugs and other small critters take up residence in firewood. Bringing a large amount of firewood into your house is basically asking for some sort of pest infestation. Instead, keep the bulk of it outdoors and only bring about a day’s worth inside at a time.

Pick a storage location close to your home so your trips out to grab more wood aren’t too much of an inconvenience. If you plan on burning a lot of wood and making frequent trips to your woodpile, consider investing in a wheelbarrow.

Don’t pile your firewood on dirt or grass. If you have to, you can always elevate the firewood by laying two to four parallel boards as a solid base for your stack. You could also buy outdoor firewood racks or even build your own.

You’ll also need to cover your firewood stack to keep it dry and safe from the elements. The simplest way is throwing a tarp over it. To keep the tarp from flying off with a gust of wind, tie it down or anchor it with bricks or spare logs. Make sure you leave the sides of the stack uncovered so that air can flow through.

Check with your city or county for any regulations concerning firewood storage. City codes can be pretty strict, so be sure you’re following those guidelines before you start stacking.

The post How to Stack and Store Firewood appeared first on Family Handyman.

These tiny, mighty insects can do real damage if they’re carpenter ants, eating through the structure of your home. Then there are the ants that bite, and the ones that are just plain annoying.

Because of their large numbers and teensy size, they can be hard to eradicate. But all hope is not lost. Check out these tips from our exterminators for avoiding, mitigating and eradicating ants from your home.

There Are Lots of Ant Species

Ants are generally not as alarming as other pests that can invade your home, such as rodents or roaches. But some species of ants can damage your homeif not treated, says Nancy DeWitt, owner of Patriot Pest & Termite Control.

Species you should keep an eye out for include:

• Flying ants: They could be looking for a place to breed, and your house may be where they land and multiply.
• Carpenter ants: These can severely damage property damage as they excavate through wooden structures to form tunnels to build their nests.
• Black ants: They won’t damage structures but can contaminate your food. They come in armies, infesting homes to scavenge for food. “When there is one, there can be a whole colony more,” says DeWitt.
• Fire ants: When disturbed, they attack humans with a painful sting can be itchy, prone to infection and last for days.

Ants Are Prolific

A mature ant colony can contain about 10,000 to 20,000 ants, with larger colonies featuring about 50,000. They can also harbor satellite colonies while living outdoors and indoors. “Don’t wait until their whole colony enters your home and nests there permanently,” DeWitt says.

To eliminate them, a licensed professional exterminator needs to find and destroy all their nests. Methods will vary depending on species, season, mound location and more.

Repellent Sprays Can Backfire

Ants are finicky about repellent sprays, says Godfrey Nalyanya, entomologist and technical services manager at Ehrlich Pest Control. Using the wrong product can actually make the ants regroup and return. But Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest Solutions, says sometimes a spray used in concert with bait traps can help.

With traditional pesticide spraying, Hoffer says you’ll only kill the ants that physically walk through where you sprayed. Sometimes infected ants bring some of the pesticide back to the colony on their feet. But the bait traps act as a pseudo-food source for ants. They collect the bait, then bring back to the colony to eat, poisoning them all.

If this combo doesn’t work, call a pro.

Watch for Signs of Ants

Nalyanya says there are lots of signs ants have taken up residence in your home.

• Live ants: A large number can be a clear indication of a problem. Ants are often found in kitchens or other areas with food.
• Pathways: Some ants lay down a pheromone in their trail to a food source to attract other ants from their colony.
• Nests: A nest site can look like a small pile of soil or dirt. Some ant species like to make their homes in walls or other quiet, dark places, which can be difficult to spot.
• Dirt: Small piles, usually found around nest sites, can indicate an ant infestation.

Proper Sanitation is Essential

Like any good first step to pest control, DeWitt says it’s important to clean and sanitize your household regularly. Don’t leave any crumbs or traces of sweets and starchy ingredients. Seal food in airtight containers.

Tune Up Your Home

Check and seal any cracks and holes in the walls, floorboards, radiators and other possible open points of entry. DeWitt says Also check for possible moisture problems on your wood structures. Damp or rotting wood and hollow doors are favorite breeding grounds for carpenter ants.

The post 9 Things Your Ant Exterminator Wants You To Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is a Flying Ant?

A flying ant is essentially a regular ant that’s sprouted wings.

At certain times each year, most of the 1,000 known species of ants found in the U.S. grow wings and set off into the air to engage in breeding behaviors. It may sound like a good time unless you’re a male in which case after you’ve fully performed your duty, the impregnated female eats you for lunch. Fluttering off post-coital in search of a suitable nesting site, the new queen chews off her own wings and begins the important work of populating a new colony. Ah, romance!

What Do Flying Ants Look Like?

Often confused with the dreaded wood-devouring termite, to the untrained eye winged ants (especially winged carpenter ants) and termites look a lot alike.

There isn’t just one kind of flying ant, explains Ed Spicer, General Manager of Pest Strategies. “Fire ants, carpenter ants, sugar ants, protein ants and any other ant type you can think of (mostly)” are all able to fly at some point in their life cycle.”

Here are some identifying characteristics to help you tell a flying ant from a termite:

Termites

• Segmented bodies of the same width;
• Straight antennae;
• Four wings of equal length.

Flying ants

• Narrow waists;
• Hinged antennae;
• Front wings are longer than back wings.

Are Flying Ants Dangerous?

It depends.

Let’s just say that swarming ants are no more dangerous in flight than they are on the ground. In other words, if a species of ant bites or stings when it’s crawling around, the same will be true of the species when it’s up in the air.

Tip: Be extra careful not to walk directly into a swarming cloud of flying ants. They might be a gang of non-combative pavement ants, or they could be an angry mob of red fire ants.

How Do You Get Flying Ants?

As with any ant, their main reason for taking up residence on your property is the existence of a steady supply of food.

Should you discover a cluster of flying ants outdoors, take heart and try to be patient. Because this is a once-a-year mating ritual, flying ants (half of whom are male and will be dead in a few short days) will eventually come in for a landing and not take off again for 365 days.

What Are the Signs of Flying Ants?

• Swarming ant sightings (around lights and near pools, ponds and other water sources);
• Ant trails (scouts);
• Piles of soil or dirt;
• The actual nest.

As mentioned above, if you discover flying ants in your yard, there’s little reason for concern. Except for destructive, burrowing carpenter or aggressive, stinging fire varieties, ants are an important and beneficial part of your garden’s ecosystem.

Do-gooder backyard ants:

• dig tunnels to aerate and till the soil;
• feed on and decompose organic waste and dead animals;
• control undesirable insects that attack plants and lawns;
• pollinate flowers and distribute seeds;
• provide a food source for birds, frogs and beetles.

What if you see a flying ant inside your home? Before you freak out: check to make sure it’s not a termite; and determine whether there are only a few swarmers, here and there. You may have encountered a couple of rogues that happened to zoom inside when the door was open.

If you do notice a large number of flying ants indoors, either you’re harboring an established colony inside the walls or foundation, or a nearby colony is about to breed.

How To Get Rid of Flying Ants

Once you’ve determined you have a flying ant infestation, there are a number of do-it-yourself things you can do.

Chemical solutions:

• Set out baits/traps;
• Hit flying ants with an insecticide spray (outdoors only).

Non-toxic home remedies:

• • Vacuum up swarms with a handheld or stick vac (dispose of the bag immediately);
  • Hang strips of sticky duct tape;
  • Sprinkle borax along ant trails and around nests;
  • Spray a solution of repelling vinegar, water and essential oils;
  • Kill them on contact with a spray that’s safe for use indoors, and around pets and kids.

Spicer suggests another method: Lifting a basin of water directly under a swarm to provide a light source to entice them.

“You can easily eliminate these annoying insects by holding a vase, bowl or any other sort of basin (half-filled with water and a splash of dish soap) directly underneath the hovering swarm. Hold it for at least two to three minutesor until your arms get tired.” The ants, attracted by the light, will fly low enough to crash into the basin where their wings will get stuck in the suds, eventually drowning.

After trying the above methods, if you can’t get rid of the swarm, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. An ant expert will be able to locate the nest (often hidden) and eliminate it by injecting a powerful commercial-grade pesticide.

How To Prevent Flying Ants

Take these year-round preventative steps that can effectively mitigate or completely prevent ants flying or otherwise from invading and overtaking hidden places in your home and garden:

• Seal entry cracks in the foundation;
• Caulk around windows and doors;
• Create an insecticide barrier around your home and yard;
• Don’t leave pet food in the yard;
• Keep your kitchen clean and free of food morsels.

The post Homeowner’s Guide To Flying Ants appeared first on Family Handyman.

Did you know that all ants have the ability to bite but only a handful living in the U.S. ever do?

Rarely fatal and not often considered dangerous, bites mostly occur when an ant or its nest is disturbed. The resulting bite can range from barely noticeable to extremely painful, depending on the type of ant and the circumstances of the encounter. Just like human beings, if an ant feels threatened and has the wherewithal to defend itself, it will.

Do Ants Bite?

Yes. And they can also sting.

Of the ant species known to bite humans and animals, some will use their jaws to bite, while others employ stingers to deliver a noxious venom. Some ants can do both munching down on the skin first then using their sharp stingers to inject poison into the wound.

Which Types of Ants Bite?

An ant that bites uses their mandibles and mouth to pinch the skin. Stinging ants (females only) use their stinger, located on their abdomen, to deliver their poisonous jabs.

The species of ants who both bite and sting include:

• Imported fire ants (capable of delivering painful stings multiple times).
• Harvester ants (their sting can kill small animals).
• Acrobat ants (mild reactions can be expected).
• Pavement ants (bites and stingers are rarely able to penetrate the skin).

The types of ants who only bite:

• Carpenter ants (tend to attack when threatened).
• Crazy ants (inflict a mild wound with little or no pain).
• Field ants (bite, but only if disturbed).
• Leafcutter ants (have strong jaws that can draw blood).

Note: A few ant species, such as the Western thatching ant, bite and then spray a chemical called formic acid into the wound, which can cause the skin to blister.

What Do Ant Bites Look Like?

After you’ve been bitten or stung by any type of ant, it’s typical to find a raised red bump or swollen welt at the site. This is usually followed soon after by an itching sensation.

The dreaded fire ant is highly aggressive and its bite produces a slightly more intense skin response. According to Dr. Neha Pathak of WebMD, “The fire ant sting typically causes red hive-like lesions that burn and itch. Painful pus-filled lesions can also occur.” You might also notice numerous marks forming a circle a tell-tale sign you’ve been pricked by the nastiest of ants.

How to Handle Ant Bites

If you experience a mild local response to an ant bite (red bump or welt), you can usually just treat the site with a cold compress or take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. If itching is persistent, applying an over-the-counter antihistamine cream can help.

For more severe skin reactions (one to two days of swelling that becomes increasingly hot and painful), contact your doctor.

Allergies to insect bites, can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. Serious signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Hives and/or itching throughout the body
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate and call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you carry an EpiPen (epinephrine), use it right away!

The post Everything You Should Know About Ant Bites appeared first on Family Handyman.

Coffee Grounds

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Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants (Crematogaster genus) are found across the U.S. and are a favorite of Entomologist Charles Armstrong. “Simply because I loveif you’ll excuse the puntheir cute little heart-shaped abdomens and the fact that they’re also aptly called Valentine ants,” he says.

• How to identify acrobat ants: These 2.5 to 3mm long ants have the unique ability to lift their abdomen over their heads. Entomologist Kait Chapman says they have a two-node petiole (waist) and one pair of spines on the thorax (mid-section connecting to the legs).
• Do acrobat ants bite or sting? They can bite when provoked, but the pain isn’t significant.
• Are acrobat ants dangerous? Chapman says these moisture-loving ants nest in dead or rotting wood, but they don’t cause structural damage.
• Acrobat ant management: “Effective management involves the removal of infested wood and addressing any underlying moisture issues,” she says.

The post How to Identify Types of Ants appeared first on Family Handyman.

From their characteristics to their behaviors to their habitats, our guide contains a wealth of information about how to co-exist, control and, if need be, get rid of ants simply and safely.

What Do Ants Look Like?

Not to be confused with termites, ants are between 1/16-inch and two inches in length with big heads, elongated bodies pinched at the waist, swollen abdomens and six spindly legs. They sport threadlike elbowed antennae, come in colors ranging from white to jet black. Some have wings, and some have stingers. Most people recognize an ant when they see it. Do you?

While you’re at it, also learn how to get rid of sugar ants in your home.

What Are the Different Types of Ants?

According to PestWorld.org, the three most common types of ants in the U.S. are carpenter, odorous and pavement. In warm tropical climates such as in the South and Southwest, you’ll find an abundance of red fire, ghost, and big-headed ants. However, no matter where in the country you live, there are certain things that all ants have in common:

• They build structured nests (hierarchical colonies) with at least one queen;
• Worker ants are wingless, sterile females;
• Male ants (a.k.a. drones) exist for one purpose reproduction;
• Ants communicate with each other through scent (pheromone) trails;
• Most species forage for food crumbs, but some feed on dead insects, raise aphids or farm fungus.

How to Identify Ants

The first step in fighting an infestation in your home or garden is to know what type of ant you’re dealing with. Identifying ant species can be complicated. Luckily, we put together a comprehensive list that explains how to identify different types of ants you may encounter in and around your home. Here’s how to identify different types of ants.

Where Do Ants Live?

Lurking inside cupboards, under rocks and in woodpiles, you’ll find ants almost everywhere in the city and on the farm. Their nests can be found in above-ground mounds, burrowed in tree trunks or located deep underground, their extensive network of chambers unseen by the casual observer. Possessing an insatiable appetite, if food sources are plentiful, ants won’t hesitate to take up residence in your house or garden.

What Are the Signs That You Have Ants?

The easiest and most obvious way to know if you have an ant infestation is by sight. If you find live ant trails, especially inside your home, there’s a good chance you have a problem. For certain types of ants, like carpenter ants, you might hear rustling noises in the walls or see wood shavings scattering about.

If you smell rotten coconuts or a distinct musty scent, odorous or citronella ants may have invaded. In the yard, look out for mounds in the garden or holes in your lawn both can be an indication of an ant infestation.

How to Get Rid of Ants

There are many ways to rid yourself of ants:

• Baits: Easy to use stations/traps and stakes are pre-filled for convenience;
• Sprays: Aerosol and pump sprays are a short-term solution that kills ants on contact;
• Gels: Potent gel can be applied directly into cracks and crevices where you see ants;
• Granules: Small pellets for spreading on lawns and around large yards;
• Powders: Ants ingest the fine powder and die;
• Home remedies: Natural and non-toxic, most home remedies are safe around kids and pets.

Experts often recommend mess-free bait stations and stakes because the poison works at the source, killing the queen and her colony.

Keep in mind that ants can build nests in hard-to-reach places, like inside walls or under foundations. If you suspect an infestation, consider calling in a professional pest control expert right away. A knowledgeable ant exterminator can quickly assess the situation and recommend a method that addresses your particular pest problem.

Ant Safety and Concerns

Many ants sting or bite, but not all. Most of the time bites and stings may be painful (from leafcutters and red fire ants especially) but they are rarely serious. People allergic to bee and wasp stings, however, should take extra precautions when working in the garden near mounds. Pharaoh ants, for instance, are known to carry diseases and should be dealt with at the first sign of infestation.

Most ant repellents and insecticides are made of toxic or poisonous ingredients, so it’s probably best to opt for eco-friendly, organic remedies if kids and animals are about. If you’re not sure how to proceed, contact an ant exterminator for help and advice.

The post The Homeowner’s Guide to Ant Pest Control appeared first on Family Handyman.

The Ant Life Cycle

Like other social insects (i.e., bees, wasps and hornets), ants undergo a metamorphosis in four life stages: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. The entire process can take up to 60 days from start to finish.

We explore an ant’s cycle of life, from how they reproduce to ways they function in their community. Knowing the facts about an ant’s life cycle may prove helpful in combating an ant infestation more effectively, should you encounter one.

Egg stage

White and glistening, the tiny egg is where an ant’s life begins. Fertilized eggs beget females, and unfertilized eggs males. Did you know that the queen leafcutter ant produces some 150 million workers in her lifetime, and an army ant can lay up to 300,000 eggs in a single day? Respect!

Larvae stage

At this stage of an ant’s development, the egg transforms into larvae. In constant need of nourishment, a single larva grows so rapidly that it molts (sheds its skin) several times during this phase, which lasts between seven and 14 days.

Pupae stage

In this third and final gestation period (six to 10 weeks) the pupae of some species spin protective cocoons, while others remain uncovered.

Adult stage

Once the adult surfaces from a pupa, it’s fully formed and ready to go. Because the queen can churn out thousands of worker ants, the best way to eliminate a colony is to kill the queen where she lives and breeds.

The Difference Between Adult Male and Female Ants

Queen

Every ant colony has at least one queen. Some species, such as the Argentine ant, may have two or more.

Significantly larger than her compatriots, a queen will lay eggs that hatch into new queens with wings that they use to fly out of the nest to mate (queens are the only females able to reproduce). Once a new queen locates a spot to nest, she lays her eggs, then feeds and grooms the hatched larvae until they turn into cocoons (or remain uncovered depending on the species). In a few weeks, new adult workers emerge and the colony is officially up and running.

Drones

Drones are fertile, winged males whose only function is to impregnate a queen. Once the deed is done, it’s curtains for the male, who dies usually within a few weeks.

Workers

Of the castes in the colony, the multi-tasking workers (sterile females) are the most numerous. They perform such essential duties as foraging for food, burrowing tunnels, warehousing food and tending to the larvae. Workers and soldiers (larger workers who defend nests) can survive as long as seven years.

The Lifespan of an Ant

The average lifespan of an ant can be anywhere from a few weeks to 15 years. That depends on the species, the role the ant plays and the availability of food sources. For instance, a black garden ant can live almost two decades, while fire ant workers are expected to live less than a month.

Long live the queen! In almost every species, her royalness outlives everyone else in the colony. Some queens are believed to have reigned for 28 years!

The post What to Know About an Ant’s Life Cycle appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ant Dangers to People

An annoyance more than anything else, most ants in the United States aren’t directly harmful to people. If left to run amok, however, ants can destroy structures, spread bacteria and, in extreme cases, cause serious allergic reactions. That’s why it’s best to nip an ant infestation in the bud.

Here’s the 411 on ants, ant bites and more.

Bites and Stings

Although ant bites are rarely serious, those from fire and harvester ants can be painful and may require medical attention. It’s best to avoid bites whenever possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers ways to prevent bites altogether:

• Don’t disturb ant mounds;
• Be careful lifting items off the ground;
• Tuck pants into shoes or boots when doing yard work;
• Brush ants off immediately.

Allergies

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), allergies from insect bites or stings are responsible for about 100 deaths a year. Along with bees, wasps and hornets, fire ants are a top cause of insect stings in the U.S. Fire ants bite and sting at the same time!

Poisons

Be extra careful spraying insecticides in your backyard, especially if you have children and pets. Hire a professional exterminator or ask your local garden center for advice. Baits are the best DIY ant control solution because they eliminate colonies in a few days. Liquid bait stations like the Terro T300B Liquid Ant Bait Ant Killer are effective and simple to use.

Ant Dangers to Pets

Fire ants are a risk to pets, so keep cats and dogs away from anthills. If your pet gets attacked, wear protective gloves and remove the ants by hand. Although not usually life-threatening, if your pet receives a large number of stings, seek immediate veterinary attention. Be sure to use pet-safe ant removal techniques.

Pro Tip: To distinguish fire ants from other ant species, examine the ant trail. Fire ants have multiple-sized workers.

Ant Damage to Homes and Yards

Around homes and businesses, fire ants are known to infest and short-circuit electrical equipment. In the yard, ants can wreak havoc on landscaping by disturbing roots, burying plants with soil unearthed from nest excavation, and building anthills in the lawn.

But do not forget ants also play a critical role in our ecosystem. They aerate soil, redistribute nutrients to plant roots, spread seeds and protect against destructive garden pests like caterpillars and grasshoppers.

What to Do If You Have Ants

Dr. Scott Lingren, an entomologist and owner of Venus Pest Company, recommends these five DIY steps for ant removal:

1. Recognize signs of infestation (ant trails, wood shavings, etc.);
2. Properly identify the type of ant;
3. Stop food sources (secure food containers, sweep up crumbs, etc.);
4. Seal cracks and other entry points in your home;
5. Set out ant bait for workers to take back to the colony.

Dr. Lingren cautions patience. “Different types of ants prefer different types of bait at different times of the year, so this may take some experimentation to get right,” he says.

The post Are Ants Harmful to People, Pets, and Property? appeared first on Family Handyman.

The Reluctant Bee Keepers

If you’re the type to squeal when a bee buzzes around your picnic blanket, behold the story of a Decatur, Ga., house that had a whopping 120,000 bees living in a beehive inside the living room ceiling. The homeowners were living in ignorant bliss, as they hadn’t heard or seen anything besides a few bees that were buzzing around outside and wouldn’t seem to leave. A bee removal pro eventually pulled a 6-foot honeycomb from the ceiling, says CBS News.

The post 15 Pest Control Horror Stories That Will Make Your Skin Crawl appeared first on Family Handyman.

Start With Ant Prevention

The first step in learning how to get rid of ants, whether you have animals in your home, is don’t make your home attractive to the ants in the first place. That means keeping your kitchen cabinets and floors void of crumbs, which the workers ants seek out and bring back to their queen and her kin.

It can be hard to keep track of every tiny drop of food, though. So if you’re a cleaning machine and still come home to a kitchen swarming with ants, then you’ll want to learn how to bait the workers ants.

First identify the trail of workerswhere they’re coming from and what food source they’re going to. Now, place ant bait stations along this trail. Not all bait is pet-friendly, however!

Keep Ant Killer Away From Pets

To be safe, the EPA suggests using low toxicity stations that won’t harm your pets. You can try Combat products, which are specifically designed to target ants while also having a low order of toxicity in animals including house pets. The insecticide mixture within the stations isn’t easily accessible to pets, but to be on the safe side, make sure the stations are placed behind appliances, in the back of cabinets, and generally out of reach from your curious critters. Don’t place the bait stations near your pet’s toys, food and water areas.

Use Pet Safe Ant Killers

A common ingredient in pet-safe ant killers is diatomaceous earth, which contains the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms called diatoms. It looks like an off-white talc powder, with the main ingredient being silica. The FDA considers diatomaceous earth to be “generally recognized as safe.” Just be sure you choose a product labeled as “food-grade” when purchasing, as this means it’s gone through a purification process. You can also purchase diatomaceous earth alone.

For a minor infestation, soak a large absorbent sponge in sugar water. Place it near the ant trail and let it sit for a day. Wash off the dead ants, soak in more sugar water and place back near the trail until you no longer see any dead ants when squeezing out the sponge.

The post How to Get Rid of Ants When You Have a Dog or Cat in the House appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ant Identification

The first step to getting rid of ants is to identify the type of ant you’re up against. “Different ant species are pests for different reasons, and control can vary by species, so correctly identifying what species you’re dealing with is important,” says Michael J. Skvarla, Ph.D., head of the Insect Identification Laboratory at Penn State University. “Since there are only a handful of species that are regular pests indoors, it’s often easy to identify which species you’re dealing with.” Here’s what to do:

Snap a picture

Ants are always on the move, so they’re unlikely to sit still while you count the number of nodes on their petiole (that’s the stalk that connects their thorax, aka chest, to their abdomen). To you and me, ants look pretty similar, but to entomologists, these things matter. A high-quality picture will help you in your quest.

Note where you see them

If you see ants in your kitchen, they probably live nearby, often around your foundation or inside your home. “Commonly referred to as sugar ants, these ants can be several types of small ants,” including odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, Argentine ants and ghost ants, says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe.

Ants inside will likely be following a line of other ants, so trace the trail back. Pay attention to where they go if you can find it. (You might have to play detective.) All of this info will help you get rid of ants.

Check with your university or county extension service

Extensions offer localized educational resources, and they’re great for identifying bugs. Find them on the web, where they’re likely to have free ant info at the click of a mouse. For example: “This pictorial key to the 21 most common pest species should work for most people most of the time,” Skvarla says. If you prefer one-on-one service, see if they have a hotline, email or walk-in availability, too.

Take action

For some species, you need to work fast. If the ants you follow are disappearing behind a rotted windowsill, for example, you might have carpenter ants. Carpenter ants build their nests in water-damaged wood. “In nature, this helps break down fallen trees and recycle their nutrients back into the soil,” Skvarla says. “In homes and other buildings, this can weaken structural timbers and, if enough damage is done, cause substantial damage to the building.”

The post How to Get Rid of Ants in Your House and Yard appeared first on Family Handyman.

House pests such as termites or ants are no fun. Termites are one of the most infamous, with an infestation easy to spot by a swarm of flying insects. But not all swarming insects are termites, however. Have you considered flying ants? The two differ, so let’s help you decipher difference between flying ants and termites.

Flying Ants

Flying ants, also called carpenter ants, are winged swarmers with elbowed antennae, pinched waists and hind wings smaller than their front wings. Their bodies can be black, brown or a reddish color. While worker ants live for a few months, the queens can live for years. These pests feed on nectar, seeds, other insects and food debris in and around the home.

Flying ants can be seen out in the open, and nest in wood, in which they tunnel. They are most commonly found nesting in wet, damp and/or rotting wood, but may also be present in dry wood. If you spot a cluster of flying red ants or a full-blown flying ant infestation, the first thing you’ll want to do is repair or replace the rotted wood. Next, you’ll want to use an insecticide to kill the ants if they have built their nest indoors. If you can’t get to the nest, use ant bait, available at home center, hardware stores and online.

Here’s more information on how to get rid of flying ants, as well as other pests.

Termites

There are two types of termites: the worker and the swarmer. The workers are creamy colored, measure 3 to 4 mm long and are most commonly found when mud foraging tubes or infested wood is broken open. Meanwhile, swarmers are the reproductive type, measuring about 4 mm long and are dark brown or black in color.

Check out these 13 must-know tips for DIY termite control.

Termites sometimes have wings, but lose them soon after they mate. In general, they have straight antennae, wide bodies without pinched waists and equal length wings. They mainly eat wood, paper and other cellulose-based products. Workers survive a couple years, while queens can live for decades.

If you have termites, here’s how to get rid of them.

Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of the mating process. The males die soon after, while the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is a good indicator that there is an infestation nearby.

Check out why you should install wood foundation, which contains arsenate which is toxic to pests like flying ants and termites.

Photo; Courtesy of Amco Pest Solutions, Inc.

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Not sure if you have carpenter ants or termites? Here’s the difference.

You may not think of ants as having a keen sense of smell, but it’s this trait that drives them to your countertops and floors in search of a bite to eat. An ant is always on the lookout, with colonies sending scout ants to search for food in various directions.

Ants get into your home easily, via cracks and seams in walls, foundation gaps, through the floor, windows, doors, utility lines and more.

Check out these 26 tips for controlling pests in and around your home.

When the scouts go in search of food, they march in search of visual landmarks and a stereo-smell system to create an odor map. They use olfactory cues that take them in a circuitous random search. Different ants have different sized antennal lobes. They are all particularly large, and have around 420 to 430 nerve endings called glomeruli, which give these insects the ability to smell various odors. The bigger the lobes, the better the sense of smell. Check out these strategies for DIY pest control.

Once the scout finds the crumb, they collect a sample and march it back to the colony. Together, the team deciphers the shortest route to the food source, leaving a pheremone trail behind. The colony now follows the scout to the food. Here are the most dangerous bugs you need to avoid.

All you can really do to keep ants at bay is keep counters clean, sweep or vacuum often and close up any gaps in your homes exterior. However, they will likely find a way in anyway. Here’s more information on how to get rid of ants.

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