Ants may seem like basic, simple insects but in actuality are very social creatures with a complex hierarchical social structure, unlike most other species of insects. They depend on each other for survival but are very competitive for their positions within the colony. This is especially true with the queen.

Here are some interesting facts about ant colonies.

1 ) Ants have sophisticated ways to deal with and protect vital parts of colonies from poisons. In the ant hierarchy, older workers act as “testers” for toxicity. As they distribute food throughout the colony, a diluted amount passes down to the queen and reproductive ants within the colony, keeping them from being exposed to large amounts and from being easily poisoned. For this reason, it can be difficult to tackle a large infestation without professional pest services. Locating the colony and the queen is vital for elimination. 

2 ) For every queen that succeeds in being the center of her new colony lies many that are unsuccessful. The queen is the priority of her colony but she is also at risk of being taken down by her own. While it may seem ants will do anything for the queen, they can also overthrow a queen. Usually, this happens if a colony has more than one. Ants that have been bred from one queen will sometimes attack another. Their loyalty is very specific if they decide the path of mutiny. 

3 ) For a new ant colony to form, a queen and several male ants will leave their original colony. Once a suitable spot is found, they land, discard their wings, and begin the task of forming their new home. Worker ants will begin the complex task of forming the colony around the queen who begins laying eggs at a very high rate. The queen ant is the only one that lays eggs, even though there are other female ants within colonies. Queen ants can produce about 800 eggs per day. 

4 ) Each ant has a specific job and it's determined by age. As ants grow older their jobs move them farther away from the queen, and away from the center of the colony. Younger ants work within the nest protecting the queen. They are so structured that they don't stray from their duties. To successfully create a colony is a huge task and each ant works hand in hand to form a successful, and thriving colony.

Ants are fascinating, organized, and highly social insects, they also can be a nuisance pest especially when colonies are in inconvenient locations. A colony in a yard might not even be noticed. But if there is a colony right by your sidewalk, an area where you entertain or where children play, it can become problematic. Ants can infest quickly and finding the colony can be tricky,

Eagle Pest Services is your trusted local pest control specialist. Our technicians know our customers deserve the best. Schedule an inspection or request a free quote online or give us a call at 888-616-8739.