If you have ants in your yard, you have a food source in your yard. It's just that simple. But determining what those ants are eating isn't always easy. Ants can eat a wide range of things. Let's take a look at a few of the food sources ants eat and see if there is anything you can do to make your yard less attractive.
The Things Ants Eat
Each ant species is a little different. Some prefer protein. Some prefer carbohydrates. Some have an equal preference. We're not going to get into the specifics of what each species prefers. Instead, let's look at general food sources and what you can do to eliminate them (if possible).
- Trash: Inside your trash, there are sources of protein and carbohydrates. Ants aren't nearly as picky as we are. They're more than happy to go dumpster diving to get a meal. That is why it is vital that you keep your trash in sealed containers and periodically clean them to reduce ant activity.
- Pet Food: Do you have animals that feed in your yard? Food left down for a dog, goat, pig, etc. will allow ants to feed. Consider putting food down only during mealtimes or, if possible, feed your animal inside.
- Outdoor Barbeques: Do you like grilled meats covered in barbecue sauce? Many species of ants do as well. Make sure to clean things up after you are done grilling if you want to keep ants away.
- Grass Seed: It is not uncommon for ants to collect grass seed and bring it back to their colonies for food. This can stunt new grass growth. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this except have a professional treatment for those ants and eliminate them.
- Garden vegetables: Do you have a garden? Some ants like your garden vegetables more than you do. Don't be surprised if you find them crawling all over your corn and other starchy produce. Some professional gardeners suggest using cornmeal to deal with ants getting into the garden. We believe residential pest control service is a better and more comprehensive solution.
- Honeydew: Have you ever seen ants crawling around on your plants, especially big black ants? Those ants are probably looking for honeydew. When aphids and scales feed on your plants, they suck the sap out and excrete honeydew. This sweet, sticky substance is a delight for ants. Carpenter ants love it so much, they are known to corral and "milk" aphids for their honeydew. If you have insects producing honeydew in your plants, treatment of EPA-approved pest control products to your landscaping can help to control them.
Some Things Ants Don't Eat
As we mentioned above, it is not uncommon to find ants crawling around on your ornamental plants. But you don't have to worry. Those ants don't eat your plants. They're focused on eating living and dead insects and all the honeydew they can find.
Have you ever seen a documentary where there is a line of ants carrying leaves? Those are leafcutter ants. They are quite plentiful in Mexico and throughout South America but we don't have those ants here. Your trees are safe.
When ants come into a yard, it is not uncommon to find dead grass. This isn't because ants eat grass. They disrupt the roots of grass when they build their nests in the ground. And, as we mentioned above, some ants eat grass seed.
Eliminating Ants From Your Greensboro Property With Go-Forth Home Services
Getting rid of ants is easier said than done. Ants create colonies with large numbers, and getting rid of these colonies in their entirety is challenging when you try to go at it alone. Many over-the-counter treatments may kill some ants, but they do not destroy the entire colony.
Understanding why ants come into your yard can help you resist them. But the pest solution for ants and other potential pests is a comprehensive and systematic application of pest management. At Go-Forth Home Services, we have the experience and tools you need to keep ants out of your Greensboro home all year long. Not only will we control your current ant problems, but we will help you implement measures to keep ants out of your home in the future.
If you live in our service area, we make it easy to implement year-round pest control for ants and other unwanted pests. Reach out to us today to receive your free quote. Don't continue to be overrun with ants. Call us today!