IPM Practices > Small Ants

Including crazy ant, field and yellow ants, little black ant, thief ant, pavement ant, Pharaoh ant

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve ant problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determine whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION
All small ants are not the same. It is important to have small ants correctly identified.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. identifies the ant(s);
2. obtains pertinent information about the problem from the customer;
3. performs an indoor inspection;
4. performs an outdoor inspection;
5. identifies areas of infestation and conducive conditions;
6. identifies nesting sites and trails;
7. Advanced: draws a site map marking areas of infestation, food & water resources;
8. Advanced: uses sticky traps to trap and identify ant and areas of activity.

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Small ant problems are often associated with structural faults in cement slabs and foundations, and the presence of food scraps and crumbs. The following cultural practices will eliminate attractant food and moisture source. Sealing cracks and crevices is an important practice.

The Pest Management Practitioner identifies the ant species involved, evaluates the problem and offers to correct, or advises the customer as appropriate:
1. indoor and outdoor sources of moisture are corrected or reduced, if possible;
2. food sources are removed where appropriate;
3. nesting sites in cracks and crevices are sealed, where appropriate;
4. ventilation is improved where necessary.

TREATMENT
These practices include both non-chemical and chemical options. The use of pesticides on a routine or periodic basis is not recommended. No pesticide application should be made until the source of ants, their trails, and likely food sources are identified. Pesticide applications should be directed to nest sites and trails.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. removes accessible nest sites (e.g. with soapy water or vacuums);
2. removes crumbs and food sources;
3. uses ant baits near nest sites, ant trails or other appropriate sites;
4. does NOT treat lawns and other outside areas for small ants;
5. uses growth regulators;
6. treats cracks/voids with nests directly with insecticide dust;
7. treats ant trails with contact/residual insecticide, where appropriate.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of the different small ant species and different control strategies available.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. participates in an educational program addressing the following topics within a three year period:
a. ant identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion and interception
d. harborage removal and denial
e. environmental alteration
f. trapping and/or monitoring
g. baiting techniques
h. use of insect growth regulators
2. subscribes to one or more professional associations, organizations, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of PM related topics;
3. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association;
4. provides customer with IPM information;
5. has completed a correspondence course in pest management within a 3-year period.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources