Ants may be small, but they make up for their size by their strength and strength in numbers. One ant can carry more than fifty times more than its own weight. And, there are hundreds of thousands of ants found in a single colony.
In this article, you will learn some fun facts about ants including how many species of ants there are, why ants infest homes, and whether any of them are dangerous.
How Many Species of Ants Are There?
Worldwide, there are more than 12,000 ant species known to mankind. They are the longest-lived insects and one of the strongest animals in the world relative to their own body size. In North America alone, there are a thousand different species.
Ants are one of the most common household pests seen in the United States. Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants are the most numerous ants in Northern Virginia and Maryland. While it’s difficult to know for certain exactly how many ants live in each state, Florida reportedly has the most ant infestation problems.
Why Do Ants Infest Homes?
Ants typically enter homes in search of food. Most ants like sugar ants or odorous house ants are attracted to sugary foods and will enter a home by any means necessary. Unsealed cracks, open doors, or ripped window screens are open invitations for ants to come inside.
Other ant species such as carpenter ants aren’t as concerned about rotten food items as they are the wood in your home. Carpenter ants are the largest species found in North America and can do severe structural damage to the wooden interior of walls or doorframes.
Once an ant infestation is established in your home, it can be hard to eliminate. The best way to get rid of ants is by calling a local pest control company such as My Pest Pros. We can help exterminate and further prevent ants from invading your home.
Are Any Ants Dangerous?
For being so small, some of these ants can really pack a punch. The bulldog ant is considered the most dangerous ant in the world. It lives in Australia and can inject venom into its victims with its stinger and bite causing a severe allergic reaction.
Although bullet ants aren’t fatally poisonous, their bite is where they get their name from. A bite from a bullet ant feels like you’ve been shot by a firearm.
Luckily, these don’t live in North America – but fire ants do. Fire ants are found throughout the United States and their sting can cause a severe rash. What’s worse, they will release a chemical to induce a swarm that attracts more ants to attack.
Cool Facts About Ants Summary
Ants are cool insects but don’t judge them by their size. They are some of the strongest animals on earth. Some ant species have incredibly venomous and painful stings, and even the most innocuous can invade your house and take over your kitchen. There are more ant facts out there, so go learn even more cool things about these critters.