fbpx

Commonly Found In: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, gardens, lawns, patios, and around entryways

What Are Ants?

Ants are incredibly common insects and are often one of the first pests homeowners notice indoors or around their yard. In Kansas and throughout the Midwest, multiple ant species can be found, many of which build their nests outdoors but venture inside looking for food, water, or shelter.
With their distinctive elbowed antennae, narrow "waists," and strong jaws (mandibles), ants are easy to identify. Some ants are tiny: just a fraction of an inch long, while others can be more than a half-inch in length. Their diet varies by species: some are drawn to sugary substances like syrups and fruit, while others prefer protein-rich foods like meats, oils, and even other insects.
Though ants play an important role in ecosystems, helping break down organic matter and aerate soil, they’re not so welcome when they show up uninvited in your kitchen or form visible trails along your baseboards. That’s where Green Pest Solutions comes in.

Understanding Ant Behavior

Ants are social insects that live in large, well-organized colonies. Each colony typically consists of:

  • A queen (or multiple queens) is responsible for laying eggs
  • Workers, which forage for food, care for young, and defend the colony
  • Reproductive males and females, which leave the nest in mating swarms to start new colonies

You may see swarms of winged ants (called alates) after rainfall or during warmer months, these are reproductive ants beginning the process of forming a new colony. After mating, the males die, and the fertilized females seek a sheltered location to build a nest and start laying eggs.

Once a colony is established, worker ants leave the nest in search of food. When they discover a source, they return to the nest while laying down a chemical trail that other ants follow. This behavior explains why you might suddenly see a trail of ants moving in and out of your home, they’ve found something they like and want to share it with the rest of the colony.

Where You Might See Ants

Indoors, ants commonly appear in:

  • Kitchen counters and cabinets
  • Under sinks and around plumbing
  • Near pet food bowls
  • In basements or laundry rooms where moisture is present
  • Around windows, doors, or cracks in foundation walls
  • Outdoors, ants often build their nests in:
  • Lawns and garden beds
  • Cracks in sidewalks or driveways
  • Under mulch, landscaping stones, or patio blocks
  • Along the foundation of homes or buildings

Some ant species also build noticeable mounds in turf, which can be an aesthetic concern for homeowners and a challenge when mowing.

Ants vs. Termites – Know the Difference

It’s easy to confuse swarming ants with termites, especially when they appear near windows or light fixtures. Here’s how to tell them apart:


Feature Ants Termites
Antennae Elbowed Straight
Waist Narrow, pinched Broad, no pinch
Wings Uneven (front wings longer) Equal in size and shape

Still unsure? Green Pest Solutions can help identify what you’re seeing and recommend the right treatment path.

Are Ants Harmful?

The good news is that most ants are not dangerous. They don’t spread disease or cause structural damage, and they don’t bite or sting in most cases. However, their presence indoors can still be disruptive, especially when they find their way to your food or create a visible presence in high-traffic areas.

Some species, like carpenter ants, do require extra attention due to their potential to tunnel into wood, and fire ants can sting if disturbed. If you're seeing large black ants indoors or ants nesting near foundations, we can help determine the species and whether additional steps are needed.

Our Approach to Ant Control

At Green Pest Solutions, we believe pest control is about more than removing bugs; it’s about restoring comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Our trained technicians take time to understand the unique factors in your home or yard, and then develop a custom plan that works for your space, your needs, and your family.

Here’s what you can expect from our ant control service:

  • Detailed inspection to locate nests, entry points, and attractants
  • Eco- and family-friendly treatment options for inside and outside the home
  • Barrier treatments around the perimeter of your home to prevent future access
  • Expert advice and ongoing support to help you keep ants away for good

Whether you’re seeing a few ants or you’ve noticed a regular trail appearing, our approach is both proactive and effective. We focus on addressing the source of the problem, not just the symptoms, so you can get back to enjoying your space. 

Helpful Tips to Deter Ants

You can help reduce the chances of ant activity around your home by following a few simple practices:

  • Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food promptly
  • Store pantry items in sealed containers
  • Fix leaking faucets or pipes that may attract thirsty ants
  • Seal cracks or openings around doors, windows, and utility lines
  • Trim vegetation that touches the home’s exterior

Outdoors, if you notice anthills in your lawn or garden, our team can recommend lawn-safe treatments that protect both your turf and your time.

How long do ants live​?

The lifespan of an ant depends on its role in the colony and its species. Worker ants typically live for a few weeks to several months, while queen ants can live for several years, sometimes even over a decade. Male ants, whose primary role is to mate, usually live only a few days or weeks. Environmental conditions and access to food also play a role in how long ants survive.

How many ants are in the world​?

​Scientists have identified over 12,000 ant species worldwide, with estimates suggesting there may be up to 22,000 species in total. This vast diversity allows ants to inhabit nearly every terrestrial environment, showcasing their remarkable adaptability and ecological significance.

What do ants eat​?

Ants from the family Formicidae have a highly varied diet depending on the species, but most are omnivorous scavengers. They commonly feed on sugars (like nectar, honeydew, and fruits), proteins (such as dead insects, meats, and grease), and plant material. In human environments, they’re often attracted to crumbs, pet food, and food waste. Their adaptable feeding habits help them thrive in a wide range of environments, from backyards to kitchens.

Let Green Pest Solutions Help You Reclaim Your Home

Ants can take over quickly, but with the right expertise, you can stop them in their tracks. Whether you're dealing with stubborn trails in your kitchen, mounds in your yard, or swarming ants near your foundation, our team is here to help. We combine local knowledge, eco-friendly treatments, and expert care to eliminate ants at the source and keep them from coming back.

Don’t let ants take over your home. Contact Green Pest Solutions today for a free inspection and customized ant control plan that protects your family, your property, and your peace of mind.

Our Pest-Free, Worry-Free Guarantee

We work with you to create a personalized plan that's aligned with what you care about, because what's important to you is important to us, too. In fact, we'll come back, even outside of normally scheduled visits, at no cost to you until all of your pests are gone.

Get Estimate

Fill out the form on this page to get your free estimate.

Customize Plan

Work with a specialist to create your personalized treatment plan.

Schedule Service

Schedule your first appointment to start service or consult with us.

What Customers Are Saying...

© Copyright 2020-Current Green Pest Solutions™

© Copyright 2020-Current
Green Pest Solutions™

Almost there! Fill out the form below to start your download

Download the Pest Finder Playbook

We'll send you an email with the link to download your playbook

Close