Understanding and Controlling Red Ants in Ohio

The Prevalence of Red Ants in Ohio

Red ants are a common nuisance pest found throughout the state of Ohio. With warmer weather arriving in the spring and summer months, homeowners may begin to notice the presence of these ants around their property.

Understanding Red Ant Biology and Behavior

Red ants (scientific name: Solenopsis invicta) are an aggressive and invasive species that build underground colonies and forage widely for food sources. Their colonies contain hundreds of thousands of worker ants that fiercely defend the nest if disturbed. Red ants get their name from their reddish-brown coloration.

Red ants thrive in warmer climates, which is why they are so prolific across the southern and midwestern United States. Though native to South America, they have spread substantially beyond their original range.

Identifying a Red Ant Infestation

Home and property owners may realize they have red ants present by noticing large numbers of them trailing along the ground or up structures. Upon closer inspection, small mounds of loose soil may be visible where colonies are housed underground.

Red ants often find their way indoors as well, where they may be spotted trailing along walls, window sills, or corners in search of food or water.

The Negative Impacts of Red Ants

Red ants pose more than just a nuisance in and around the home. These pests can negatively impact Ohio residents in several key ways:

Painful Stings

Red ants have a potent, painful sting that contains venom. While not typically life-threatening except in rare cases of allergic reaction, red ant stings are quite uncomfortable.

Areas of the sting will develop a raised welt and can itch or hurt significantly. Multiple stings at once amplify these reactions.

Damage to Plants and Crops

The wide-ranging foraging of red ant workers can lead them to seek out sources of food in gardens, farms, orchards, and commercial agricultural operations.

As red ants feed on plant juices, seeds, fruits, and vegetation, they may cause extensive economic losses for farmers or homeowners trying to maintain plants or grow food.

Short Circuits and Fires

One unusual but dangerous behavior of red ants is their affinity for electrical wiring and components. As they follow wires and cables into various areas, their nesting activities can expose, sever, or short out wires.

This can lead to power outages or fires within wall voids or electrical devices. Their presence causes many issues in electrical boxes, fuse panels, and outlets.

Preventing Red Ant Infestations

While red ants will always be present to some degree in warm environments like Ohio, residents can take important steps to prevent major infestations on their property:

Seal Up Entry Points

Cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps around building foundations or structures make it easy for red ants to access the interior. Sealing these entry points helps limit indoor activity.

Manage Landscaping

Keeping tree branches, bushes, leaf litter, debris, and mulch at least 12 inches back from the foundation eliminates protected nesting sites close to buildings for red ants.

Fix Plumbing Issues

Drips, leaks, and other water sources appeal to red ants. Maintaining plumbing fixtures and promptly fixing any leaks removes this ant attractant.

Apply Targeted Insecticides

Using products containing active ingredients like bifenthrin, deltamethrin, or fipronil around the perimeter of buildings helps keep red ant populations in check.

Professional Red Ant Control

While the above DIY prevention tips are helpful, existing substantial infestations often require professional treatment. Exterminators possess the expertise and chemical arsenal to eliminate red ant overgrowth on a property.

Bait Treatments

Baits containing slow-acting poisons are carried back ants to the rest of the colony and eventually destroy it. This tactic is utilized both inside and outdoors.

Dust Applications

Fine dust insecticides are blown into wall voids and other hidden spaces where ant nests are suspected or electrical components are located as a treatment measure.

Liquid Sprays

Surface sprays around a home’s perimeter or other prime ant trails targets worker ants to stop them in their tracks.

Combining two or more of these treatment methods often provides the best chance of depleting red ant numbers and keeping them under control season after season.

Coexisting with Red Ants

Completely wiping out red ants is difficult across a large region. So Ohio residents must learn how to safely coexist as best they can alongside these pervasive pests through prevention and control. Avoiding direct contact with them is key to preventing painful stings.

With proper sanitation practices, landscape management, and sealant repairs to homes and structures, red ant issues can be minimized both outdoors and indoors. Seeking professional pest control at the first signs of infestation also stops colonies from reaching unmanageable sizes.

Staying informed about red ants, their habits, and their impacts allows Ohio homeowners to make sensible choices in defending their properties against these unique invaders.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.