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The recommended method to eliminate pharaoh ants is by the use of baits attractive to the species. Modern baits use insect growth regulators (IGRs) as the active substance; the ants are attracted to the bait by its food content, and take it back to the nest. Over a period of weeks the IGR prevents the production of worker ants and sterilizes ...
Formica rufa, also known as the red wood ant, southern wood ant, or horse ant, is a boreal member of the Formica rufa group of ants, and is the type species for that group, being described already by Linnaeus. [2]
Ants vary in colour; most ants are yellow to red or brown to black, but a few species are green and some tropical species have a metallic lustre. More than 13,800 species are currently known [ 37 ] (with upper estimates of the potential existence of about 22,000; see the article List of ant genera ), with the greatest diversity in the tropics.
The ants protect the insects by "nannying" the mobile crawler stages and protecting them against their natural enemies. [16] Experiments have shown that this connection is so strong that, in environments where A. gracilipes was removed, the density of scale insects dropped by 67% within 11 weeks, and to zero after 12 months. [17]
Formic acid is found naturally in insects, weeds, fruits and vegetables, and forest emissions. It appears in most ants and in stingless bees of the genus Oxytrigona. [6] [7] Wood ants from the genus Formica can spray formic acid on their prey or to defend the nest.
The tawny crazy ant [2] [3] [4] or Rasberry crazy ant, [2] Nylanderia fulva, is an ant originating in South America. Like the longhorn crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis), this species is called "crazy ant" because of its quick, unpredictable movements (the related N. pubens is known as the "Caribbean crazy ant").
The baking soda will neutralize the acidity of the solution, reducing its corrosive properties. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Thoroughly dry the object to prevent any future rust formation.
These ants most commonly invade buildings in late winter and early spring (particularly after rain), at which times one should be on the lookout for newly-arrived ants foraging indoors. [ 6 ] [ 9 ] To discourage immigration, standing water should be eliminated in the house, as T. sessile are attracted to moisture. [ 3 ]