People ask, could I have a European Fire Ant infestation at my Southern Maine home? The answer is yes. European fire ants are a species of red ants that are and often transported from one area to another. They can be found anywhere. For example, European Fire Ants can be found in a bag of soil, a leaf pile, in mulch, inside a potted plant, or a rotting log or tree root. These red ants are small and are scientifically called Mymica rubra which is a distant relative of the fire ant and can be found in southern United States and Latin America. However, European Fire Ants migrated to North America from northern Europe and Asia. These ants can be traced back as far as the 1900’s. They have been infesting plants that were imported to Maine.
European fire ants are very small ants and are a reddish-brown color. Their bodies are actually divided into two main segments, with backward-pointing spines in the middle segment. However, their spine section is only visible through a magnifying glass. Once they find an environment suited for them, they can grow their colonies extremely quickly. These invasive insects can be dangerous and aggressive to humans and their pets. European fire ants have stingers and when feeling threatened will swarm around in large numbers and sting multiple times.
How long do fire ants live?
People ask, how long do fire ants live? Fire ants can live up to five years in the wild. They are highly resilient and do not hibernate or rest in the winter. Queen fire ants can live up to 7 years in captivity and 5 years in their natural habitat. The queen can lay up to 1000 eggs every day. However, the workers can live up to half a year in the wild and more than a year in captivity. Male ants usually live longer than female fire ants but can also die within a few days if in flight with each other. So, how long do fire ants live? Well, that depends if they are in the wild, in captivity, male or female and if they are participating in a nuptial flight. Once settled into a new environment, their colonies can grow very quickly. In short, fire ants can live anywhere from days to seven years.
Ants in Maine
So, what are the common Ants in Maine? The common ant species that are found in Maine come in a variety of colors and sizes. Ants in Maine may be beneficial to the environment, but they can also be a nuisance to people and their property. They can be found around man-made structures such as houses, buildings and offices as well as on lawns, rocks, trees and bushes. The following is a list of common ants found in Maine.
1. Carpenter Ants – These are the largest ants found in Maine. They come in two varieties: Black and Red. However black ants are the more common of the two ants in Maine. The Carpenter Ants can become a major problem for homeowners if ignored. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat sound wood. Instead, they chew out sawdust-like pieces to create a nest to live. They will search out food, especially if there is a kitchen nearby.
2. Allegheny Mounted Ants – This ant found in Maine is considered beneficial insects because they eat rancorous insects such as arthropods, spiders or crustaceans. They are mainly found outdoors and can be seen making a four-foot mound or digging three feet into the ground.
3. Cornfield Ants -Also found in Maine is the Cornfield Ant. They are found outdoors and form small craters in the soil, especially in lawns. They nest in soil under stones, bricks, sidewalks as well as rotting logs and stumps.
4. European Red Ants – As mentioned above these ants in Maine are the most invasive, especially in communities along the Maine coast. They are aggressive and will defend their territory. They are a huge nuisance to people and the environment.
5. Larger Yellow Ants – These ants are sometimes confused with pavement ants. They are common in Maine, especially in the fall. They colonize near structure foundations because they are soil nesting ants.
Pest Control in Southern Maine
Our extensively trained and readied technicians at Green Shield Pest Solutions are equipped with the best ways to get rid of Maine ants and know plenty of techniques to prevent ants from getting inside your home.
Our expertise does not stop there. Our team of trained professionals are also experts at getting rid of fleas, ticks, cockroaches, spiders, rodents, and many other creepy crawlies that you don’t want around your loved ones. We understand that your family is the most important thing to you and we make it our mission to keep them safe as well. When you contact our office, we will send an experienced technician to your property, who will thoroughly inspect your house and surrounding area. They will inspect the exterior of the house as well as the interior areas and point out common places the pests might use as entry points. They will then examine the extent of the infiltration and offer ideas of what might be drawing the pest into the area. Our goal is to make it so you don’t have to worry about the fears of Maine ants.
Ants can be a serious threat to your home and your family. Stopping these insects from getting inside your home is an important step to protecting your loved ones. Green Shield Pest Solutions is equipped to help you with your ant control problems. We believe we are the best Pest Control Company in Southern Maine.
We look forward to meeting with you, call our office today at (207) 815-1003 for a consultation.