Ant Control

About ants

Ants are social insects that live in colonies ruled by one or more queens. Worker ants leave scent trails to lead others to food, which is why you often see them marching in long lines across floors and counters.

Common types in Indian homes include small black ants, red ants that can sting, sugar ants drawn to sweet food, and carpenter ants, which hollow out damp wood to build their nests.

Where they're found

• Kitchen counters, sugar and food containers
• Cracks in floors, walls and tiles
• Around sinks, pipes and damp areas
• Gardens, pots and balconies
• Damp or damaged wood (carpenter ants)

Why they're a problem

• They contaminate food and packaged items
• Red ants and fire ants can give painful stings
• Carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures
• Killing the ants you see doesn't stop the colony, so they keep returning

Quick facts