Ask Extension for answers to commonly asked questions.

Controlling Ants

Source: NDSU Extension Service Entomologist

Ants can be found in or around anyone's home and are among the most successful insect groups because they adapt readily to changing environments, food sources and nesting sites. They rarely cause damage, but ants can become quite a nuisance when they contaminate food or invade the home.

For ant problems, the secret to control is to find the nest and remove it or treat it directly. This can be difficult if the problem is due to ants invading the home from the outside.

One of the most common ants is the carpenter ant. They nest in dead trees, in firewood and sometimes in the house. The important thing to remember is they do not eat wood; but they do tunnel in wood for the purpose of nesting.

If you find the nest sit in the home, it will usually be associated with moist or decaying wood. If you see more than five to ten ants in the house every day, the carpenter ants are probably nesting indoors. Carpenter ants do little actual damage and at best you should consider them a nuisance. The secret to carpenter ant control is to find the nest and replace the deteriorated wood with dry, seasoned wood. If an insecticide treatment is considered necessary for nest sites that are hard to locate, it may be advisable to hire a professional pest control operator.

Almost all other types of ants, including the small red ants, come indoors looking for sweets, grease, or other foods. They are also best controlled by treating the nest directly with an approved insecticide if the nest is not hidden or inaccessible. In cases where direct treatment is not possible, ant traps or baits can be utilized.

For nests in the lawn, use a granular insecticide such as diazinon. Spot treat the nest directly, or treat along the outside foundation to discourage workers from foraging indoors. If you see ants during the winter, consider calling a professional.

If you have further questions, contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information on controlling ants.

Back to House Pests Menu
Go to Ask Extension Index Page
For More Information Contact your North Dakota County Extension Office of the NDSU Extension Service for additional information or see our main NDSU Web Page for publications and articles on Agriculture, Horticulture, Youth and Family, Business and Community and Food and Nutrition at  http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/