At first glance, a tiny red ant might not seem dangerous, but its presence can have a big effect on the environment and on the places we live. Despite what most people think, tiny red ants are not just a problem outside; they can also get into our homes and be dangerous to our health.
These sneaky animals can get into our kitchens, pantries, and other places where food is kept by getting into the smallest cracks and crevices. Once they get inside, they contaminate our food, lower the bar for cleanliness, and for some people, they can even cause allergic reactions. Identifying and removing them promptly is vital for maintaining a clean and healthy living space.
Effective pest management begins with accurate identification. The sooner you learn about tiny red ants’ traits and habits, the more likely it is that you can use targeted methods of removal to lessen their effects. This not only helps protect our immediate surroundings but also contributes to our overall well-being.
This article goes into detail about the different kinds of tiny red ants you might come across, how to spot them, and effective ways to get rid of them. Let’s get right into it!.
The Menacing March of Tiny Red Ants: How to Stop an Infestation
As a homeowner, nothing is more annoying than realizing tiny red ants have invaded your house. One day you don’t notice them, and the next they’re marching in lines across your kitchen counter, bathroom floors, and anywhere else they can find crumbs. Getting rid of an ant problem can feel impossible, but with some diligence and the right techniques, you can send these little pests packing.
At first glance tiny red ants also known as thief ants or Pharaoh ants, look harmless. Smaller than fire ants and odorous house ants, these miniature insects measure 1-2 mm long. But don’t be fooled by their size—they can be a major nuisance. Unlike carpenter ants that nest in wood, thief ants don’t eat your home. However, they will happily invade to steal your food, especially sources of protein and fat. A colony containing hundreds of thousands of ants can wreak havoc in your home.
While spraying harsh chemicals may seem like the easiest way to annihilate an infestation this method can be toxic for your family and pets. Instead integrated pest management (IPM) offers a multipronged approach that eliminates ants in a strategic, environmentally-friendly way. Follow these steps to evict your tiny unwanted guests without using dangerous poisons.
Inspect and Find the Colony
Your first step is to inspect your home to find where the ants are entering and locate their colony. Search along baseboards, windowsills, and other cracks. Check moist areas like under the kitchen sink, around pipes, and near pet dishes. You may find long trails of ants marching to and from the nest; follow them to track it down.
Thief ants don’t need much space to nest. Colonies can fit inside wall voids, under floors or carpet, in potted plants, behind baseboards, under debris in the yard, or in other small protected areas. Pro tip: Turn off interior lights and use a flashlight so ants are easier to see.
Sanitize and Eliminate Food Sources
Once you find the colony, it’s time to force the ants to relocate by removing their food supply inside. Start by thoroughly cleaning counters, floors, and anywhere else you’ve seen activity. Pay special attention to corners, cracks, and crevices where crumbs collect. Suck up ants and debris with a vacuum.
Next, store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers to deny access. Clean up spills and leftovers immediately after cooking and eating. Remove garbage frequently and keep the trash and recycling bins tightly sealed. With their food sources eliminated, the colony will start looking for a new nesting site.
Seal Up Entry Points
With food gone, it’s time to prevent ants from re-entering. Caulk and seal cracks along baseboards, around pipes, windows, doors, and any other openings you found. This forces ants to find a new way inside, which will be harder now that you’ve eliminated their food.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural mineral dust that can help control ants. The sharp edges cut and damage ants’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Apply a fine layer of DE along baseboards, windowsills, and anywhere you’ve seen ant activity. Although non-toxic for humans, use a mask to avoid breathing in the dust.
Set Out Boric Acid Baits
For ants that persist, boric acid is an effective treatment. It’s a low-toxicity mineral that kills ants slowly, giving them time to carry it back and poison the rest of the colony. Place small piles or mix it with sugar water in bottle caps where you’ve seen ants. Only a tiny amount is needed, so be sure to keep boric acid away from children and pets. Reapply if it gets wet or blown away.
Find and Destroy the Nest
If ants continue after sanitizing, sealing, and using DE and baits, the next step is destroying the nest. For an outdoor colony, douse it with boiling water. Indoors, you may be able to vacuum up part of the colony, but removing carpet, baseboards, or wall panels is sometimes necessary to fully eliminate it. Professional pest control can help safely rid your home of an entrenched infestation.
Prevent Ants from Returning
Getting rid of ants takes persistence. Even if they seem gone, colonies may reappear anytime from spring through fall. Here are some tips to keep your home free of tiny red ants:
- Inspect regularly for signs of ants, especially moist areas like sinks, pipes, and windows.
- Eliminate food sources immediately by cleaning spills, storing food in containers, and removing trash regularly.
- Seal cracks and openings throughout the home, especially near plumbing.
- Apply diatomaceous earth along baseboards and windowsills.
- Set out boric acid baits where you’ve seen activity.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes to deny water sources.
- Trim back vegetation touching the home.
While tiny red ants can be stubborn pests, following an IPM approach can control infestations without hazardous chemicals. With diligent sanitizing, sealing, treatments, and nest removal, you can reclaim your home from these pesky invaders. Consistent prevention will help ensure the ants don’t return so you can enjoy living pest-free.
How to Identify Tiny Red Ants
Here are some specific traits, behaviors, and signs that you should look for to tell tiny red ants apart from other types of ants.
Tiny red ants, as the name suggests, are generally small in size. They typically range from 1/16 to 1/4 inch in length. Remember that size can vary from species to species, so it’s also important to look at other things that can help you tell them apart.
Tiny red ants typically have a reddish coloration, but the shade may vary among species. Some may appear pale red, while others may have a darker reddish-brown hue. The coloration of the ant’s body is a helpful visual clue for identification.
Observe the ant’s body for distinctive features. Tiny red ants have segmented bodies with three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Pay attention to the shape and proportion of these body parts. The head typically houses the eyes, antennae, and mouthparts. Similarly, the antennae are bent or elbowed, which is a characteristic feature of many ant species.
Antennae play a vital role in ant communication and sensory perception. Tiny red ants have thin, segmented antennae that are often bent or elbowed. These antennae help the ants detect chemical signals and navigate their surroundings.
Observing the behavior of tiny red ants can provide additional clues for identification. These ants often form visible trails as they forage for food. These trails can be seen along walls, floors, or outdoor surfaces. Following the trail can lead you to their nests or entry points. Observing their behavior can also help distinguish them from other ant species.
The presence of nests is a strong indicator of tiny red ants. These ants construct nests in various locations depending on the species. Some may build nests in soil, while others prefer hidden areas such as wall voids or under debris. Look for ant activity signs, like small holes or piles of things that have been dug up, near possible nesting sites.
Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)
These are tiny and pale red. Measuring only about 1/16 inch in length, they can be challenging to spot. Pharaoh ants prefer warm and humid environments and are commonly found in buildings, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. They nest in hard-to-reach areas such as wall voids, electrical outlets, or behind baseboards. They can quickly build big colonies and can be a problem for a long time if they are not dealt with properly.
How to Kill House Ants Fast & Easy
How do you kill red ants?
Red ants have an insatiable sweet tooth that you can use against them. Like the outside boric acid and sugar paste, the red ants will be attracted to the sweet smell, taking the powder back to their colony to ingest. The baits allow the ants to take the slow-acting poison back to the colony and wipe out the queen and her brood. 4.
How do you get rid of ants at home?
To get rid of ants at home without using toxic chemicals, make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) borax, 8 tsp sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Stir until the sugar and borax are dissolved. Saturate cotton balls and place them around your home in areas where you commonly see ants. After use, wash containers thoroughly. It’s imperative to keep borax away from pets and children as it may be harmful.
How do you get rid of ant trails?
To get rid of ant trails, pour 2-3 cups of water in a spray bottle and add 20-30 drops of essential oils. Spray on surfaces and let air dry. Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Put this paste on surfaces with ant trails. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
How do you get rid of ants at night?
The ants will bring this sweet, poisonous mixture back to their colony, and it will slowly eliminate the ants. Consider setting this bait at night, because ants tend to hunt for food during the night hours. You could also make a poison mixture with Borax and powdered sugar. Mix together 1 part Borax with 3 parts of powdered sugar.