Ants, while beneficial for the garden as nutrient recyclers and pest controllers, become nuisances when invading homes. In California, there are 270 species, with the Argentine ant being the most common. Carpenter ants, though they don’t eat wood, cause damage by nesting. To manage ant infestations, one must identify the species and employ non-toxic solutions like vacuuming trails or washing surfaces with soapy water, focusing on eliminating their access to food and nesting sites inside and outside.
Outside, ants are beneficial insects: they recycle nutrients, aerate soil and help control pest populations, however, they can become garden nuisances and indoor pests.
To eliminate ants, it’s crucial to identify the species and understand their biology: look for trails, nests, and block their access to food and shelter.
Using simple methods like vacuuming ant trails or wiping them with soapy water is more effective than insecticides and avoids residual toxicity.
Remember, while ants can be helpful for outdoors, they are unwelcome inside; keep cleanliness and remove nesting sites to deter them.
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