ANTS

Learn all about Ants. What they are, what they look like, where they live, and their Life Cycle.

Different stages of an ant development in the same image..jpg

The 4 Stages of an Ant's Life Cycle: Metamorphosis

EGG

It all begins here. The tiny cream colored eggs lay dormant for 1-4 weeks typically. After which the eggs hatch. Fertilized eggs beget Female Ants, while Unfertilized eggs beget Male Ants. Certain Ant Species can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs per day, so be wary of nests/anthills when you see them.

LARVA

Once hatched, Larvae will be produced. Larvae are similar in appearance to maggots, with no eyes and missing major organs. These limitations make foraging impossible for the newly formed larvae; the worker ants and the Queens ant are left with the duty of feeding. Most larvae grow into worker ants. This stage only lasts 6-12 days.

PUPA

When the ant is large enough it metamorphoses into a pupa. Pupae visually resemble adults; they are still white in color but darken with time. They develop legs and antennae that remain folded against their bodies. This stage lasts from several weeks to several months depending on the species.

ADULT

Finally, the pupae have developed into adults. Some species must break free from cocoons others went through the process uncovered. New adults are often lighter in color than other adult ants, but will darken further with time. Ants do not continue to grow when they reach this stage. They are at their full adult size upon emergence from metamorphosis.

What are Ants?

Ants are the dominant group of social insects related to bees and wasps. Except for the polar regions, they flourish on all land areas of the earth, from rain forests to deserts. Most commonly because ants are found foraging or nesting inside structures, or because swarming ant reproductives are confused with swarming termites.

Ants are one of the most common pests that homeowners deal with. Ants are also the most dominant social species related to wasps and bees. Every homeowner will come into contact with Ants at some point while living in a home.

Closeup of fire ants in detail at hole in Katy Texas ground.

What do Ants Look Like?

Ants have a thin waist or “wasp” waist (called the petiole) between their thorax and abdomen. Ants have elbowed antennae. A long, straight segment connects to the head while remaining segments flex and bend. Ant reproducers have two pairs of wings. The front pair is wider and markedly longer than the back pair. Often ants have a black dot near the tip of the front wings, and dark wing veins can be seen. Ant wings do not break off easily.

A large red ant is on a white background. Katy, TX

Where do Ants Live?

Ants are very social insects. They live in colonies, for many species this colony is classified as an Anthill. Not all species live in anthills. Some colonies can be found in around structures. Indications that a colony is inside are: Ant workers are consistently found inside over a long uninterrupted period. Nest building is observed inside (look for wood shavings of carpenter ants, “dumping” materials of pavement ants, etc.). The infestation is located in a high-rise building. Inside swarming is observed. Indications that a colony is outside are: Ants inside can be “trailed” outside. Ants outside can be seen coming inside. Nesting sites outside are near the infested structure (look for mounds next to the foundation, or trees with large carpenter ant colonies touching an infested portion of the house). Ants nest under slabs or swarms inside, but workers not foraging inside.

Ants are so common around homes because they are often found foraging in or nesting in structures.

Large red fire ant pile in the grass in Katy, TX

What to do if you Have Ants?

First Class Pest Solutions Tech in front of Truck in Katy, TX

If you’re noticing ants marching across your countertops, floors, or even outdoors, it’s a sign that they’ve set up shop nearby. The first step is to try to identify where they’re coming from, as ants often have specific entry points they use to find food or water. Wiping down surfaces to remove food particles and sealing any visible cracks can help discourage them temporarily. However, ants are persistent, and DIY solutions usually only address the symptoms, not the source. To ensure your home is completely ant-free, the best step is to call First Class Pest Solutions. Our team can identify the root cause, use safe, effective treatments, and set up preventative measures so you can keep your home ant-free for the long haul. Don’t let ants take over—let us help you reclaim your space!