Uninvited Summer Guests: Albuquerque’s Ants

There are 299 types of insects native to the state of New  Mexico. Many others have been imported from other states and countries, often accidentally. There are more than twenty-five species of ants alone.  Some of their names are comical. For example, there are five different types of the species commonly called crazy ants.  These ants are shiny, bi-colored, and have long legs and thick dark hairs on the top of their thorax.  They are called crazy ants because they frequently run in circles like a dog chasing its own tail.  Other comical names of local species include acrobat ants, and big-headed ants.

Harvester ants are up to a half an inch long, red or dark brown in color, and have two spines on their thorax. They feed on seeds stored in large gravel-covered mounds that retain heat and serve as egg incubators.  Equipped with wings and a stinger, they often invade homes by coming down the chimney. Carpenter ants, like most people, prefer to live in homes constructed of wood. Black carpenter ants are also up to a half inch in length.  A mature colony usually has approximately 3,000 adult ants, all of which can bite, as well as spray formic acid, to protect themselves.  Males and queens can also fly, although workers cannot.

Some species were not native to the area, but imported, and have now become permanent residents.  One of the most bothersome and dangerous species is the red fire ant.  While the southern fire ant is native to the area, there is also an imported version.  Another imported species is the Argentine ant, originally from Brazil, which has been found only in Albuquerque. Other species are named according to where they are most commonly encountered, such as field ants, odorous house ants, tree ants and pavement ants.

Population Control

Ants play a number of important roles in maintaining our delicate ecological balance.  They aerate the soil, contribute to seed dispersal, and serve as a source of food to many other species, including humans, in some parts of the world.  However, ants are the most numerous species in the world, which is probably why certain species are named legionary or army ants.  It’s also the reason that population control sometimes becomes necessary.  Depending on the species, an ant infestation can be dangerous in addition to seriously affecting the quality of life.

Pest control professionals are experienced in reducing ant populations before they become a full-blown infestation.  Identifying and removing existing nests is just one step.  Performing thorough inspections regularly to identify and rectify any conditions that may attract future queens and colonies is one of the best preventative steps home-owners can take.

For safe and effective ant control in Albuquerque, trust Preventive Pest Control. Call us today!