BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions
Ants
[Formicidae]
Ants can be a serious nuisance in homes, hospitality outlets and businesses. Their social organisation, diversity and adaptability have made them a priority for pest control specialists and homeowners alike.
Damages caused / challenges
A serious nuisance
The vast majority of ants live outdoors and perform a range of usual functions but problematic species attracted to human and pet foods with high sugar and protein contents typically cause pest problems.
When ants begin to infest homes and attack people in gardens and parks, they fall into the category of a nuisance pest. Some species can also be a public health problem and can short circuit electrical components enough to cause fires.
Highly successful insects
Ants owe much of their success to their advanced social structure. Clear divisions of labour between workers – scouts, foragers, larvae feeders and sentries, as well as between workers, queens and drones (reproductive males) make for highly efficient colony establishment, development and survival.
Their success in communicating leads to the well-travelled ant trails between nest sites and their various food sources that characterise most infestations. Trails become more persistent and difficult to disrupt with increasing use.
Profile
How to control
Pest control professionals need to follow several essential steps in order to efficiently control ants
Establishing the extent and location of the infestation
Control strategy
Physical controls
Treatment programme
Related Products
Information: Use biocide products carefully. Always read the label and product information before use.