The Arrival Of Summer: Early Signs And Warnings Of Ant Infestation
By Rochelle Gouws, National Sales Manager Hygiene and Pest Control
As the summer season arrives, nature awakens with vibrant activity, and one of the most industrious creatures that thrives during this time are ants. These tiny insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, but their presence can sometimes lead to unwanted ant infestations.
By understanding the early signs of ant activity, we can be better prepared to prevent and address any potential issues. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of ants, their seasonal behaviours, and how to spot warning signs of ant infestation.
Foresting: The Beginning of Summer Bustle
As the summer season arrives, nature awakens with vibrant activity, and one of the most industrious creatures that thrive during this time are ants.
These tiny insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, but their presence can sometimes lead to unwanted pest infestations. By understanding the early signs of ant activity, we can be better prepared to prevent and address any potential issues.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of ants, their seasonal behaviours, and how to spot warning signs of ant infestation in South Africa or globally.
As the temperature rises and food sources become abundant, ants kick-start their summer activities. One of the initial signs of ant activity is the emergence of foragers scouting for food.
These diligent workers leave their nests in search of sugary substances, proteins, and other nourishing materials to sustain the colony. You may spot individual ants or small trails leading from trees, plants, or even your kitchen pantry.
Nesting Behaviour: Building And Expanding Colonies
During early summer, ants focus on expanding their colonies by establishing new nests. Some ant species construct underground tunnels, while others seek shelter under rocks, logs, or within wall cavities.
Keep an eye out for ants carrying soil or plant matter as they build or relocate their nests. Piles of displaced dirt near the colony entrance can also indicate nesting activity.
Swarmers: Reproductive Prowess
As summer progresses, certain ant colonies produce winged reproductive individuals known as swarmers. These males and females embark on a nuptial flight to mate with individuals from other colonies.
Nuptial flight is an important phase in the reproduction of most ants, termites, and some bee species. This is when winged ants take to the skies above their colonies searching for a partner.
The flights usually occur during warmer months and can last anywhere from seconds, minutes, or hours, depending on the species of ant involved. During the flight, virgin queens mate with males and then land to start a new colony.
The male ant dies after mating. Witnessing large numbers of winged ants around your property or near light sources during the evenings is a clear indication of swarmer activity. The presence of swarmers often suggests an established colony nearby.
Trailing: The Ants’ Pathway To Food
Ants are adept at signalling their fellow workers by leaving scent trails, allowing them to efficiently navigate between food sources and their nests.
If you notice a consistent trail of ants moving back and forth between a particular location and their nest, it is a clear sign of ant activity. These trails may appear as thin lines or patches, often leading to sugary spills, pet food bowls, or compost bins.
Warning Signs Of Ant Infestation
■Increased ant presence: if you observe a sudden surge in ant numbers within your home or garden, it could indicate an ant infestation. Pay attention to areas where food is stored, spilt, or left unsealed, as these are common targets for ant foragers.
■ Structural damage: certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, can cause significant structural damage by excavating wood to create their nests.
Look for sawdust-like debris near wooden structures or hollow-sounding wood when tapped, as these may indicate an infestation.
■Garden damage: ants can also impact your garden by tending to aphids or scale insects, which can harm plants.
Keep an eye out for distorted leaves, sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves, or the presence of ants on plant stems or leaves.
To recap it all up, as summer arrives, ants become active and, while essential for the ecosystem, their presence can cause problems. Recognising early signs like visible trails and sudden increases in numbers is vital. This is why pest control in South Africa and awareness is such an important activity for any home or business owner.
Ants expand their colonies and some produce winged swarmers for mating, indicating an established colony nearby. Vigilance and understanding these signs help manage ant-related challenges effectively, ensuring a balanced coexistence.
At Tsebo Cleaning and Hygiene we are committed to finding and providing useful information to keep these nasty ants out of your home or workplace. We strive for sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning in South Africa
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