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How do I prevent sugar ant infestation?

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

To prevent sugar ants in your home, declutter and eliminate sources of standing water, such as potted plants or old tires. Then, dispose of garbage around your house and maintain a clean environment both inside and outside. Also, create a one-foot perimeter free of clutter, storage materials, and vegetation around the foundation and roofline of your home. Trim trees and bushes to ensure they are at least one foot away from the house, as these overhanging branches can provide access points for ants to bypass insecticides. Inside your home, minimize food sources by keeping surfaces clean and storing your food in tightly sealed containers. Especially sugar, as sugar ants are highly attracted to sweet and sugary substances.

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Question

How can I find the ants' nest?

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

If you can't find the nests, you can start baiting them. You can use a borax-sugar water solution, which I find highly effective. To start, place the bait near where you've observed ant activity, typically in the kitchen. While doing this, continue to locate and remove debris around the perimeter of your home, clear any vegetation away from the house, and maintain cleanliness to minimize further ant attractions. After a few weeks of baiting, if the ant population still persists, I suggest applying a non-repellent insecticide along the perimeter of your house.

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Question

When a queen dies, does that means the ant colony is gone as well?

Community Answer

Yes, as the queen gives birth. If she dies, there will be no additional ants to add to the colony.

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Question

Every urban home I've been in has had ants that seem to be the same. They're very small and usually only appear in small groups, or just one. Any idea what kind of ants these may be?

Anthony Jiang

Community Answer

In what country do you live? In Europe, it may be Lasius niger; in America, it may be Camponotus.

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Question

I think the ant size is a little less than 2mm and they move extremely fast in any direction. Can you identify it?

Community Answer

First catch the ant then identify it using a book, or bring it to a specialist.

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Question

I have found two extremely large black ants -- one was about 3/4 inch long and the other about 2 inches. Should I be worried?

J Cat

Community Answer

Congrats! You may have found a queen ant! Queen ants are typically much larger than workers or major workers, and they are the key to creating a new colony and to destroying one! Don't be worried, but certainly get rid of those big ants and keep your eye out for more.

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Question

I find these light brown ants in the kitchen and when I turn the light on they scramble. What kind are they?

Community Answer

Look online at pictures of albino ants and of termites. If the ones you see look like termites, you should get your house tented, but if they look like an ant, then you can just spray some bug killer.

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How do I get rid of fire ants?

Community Answer

You can purchase a spray that is designed to get rid of them, or contact a professional exterminator.

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Question

Are bullet ants dangerous?

Community Answer

Only if they bite you. If they do, then bullet ants can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, severe swelling, and a rapid pulse and more. So, it just makes sense to stay away from them and get their nests removed if they are near your home.

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Question

I have some light brown ants about 6 or 7mm long, very fast moving. Never seen them before. Species unknown. Sydney, Australia.

Ivan Ogg

Community Answer

They might be jack jumper ants. These are from Australia and really long.

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Question

I was bitten, or stung, while in my shower by a black ant which was large, about 1/2 inch or more. 5 days ago with swelling and extreme itching. The spot is hot. I live in Jacksonville, FL. Idea?

Female Undertale Memer

Community Answer

Very likely a pavement ant, which fits your description and is common in your area. Their bites do cause extreme itching.

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