Soldier ants belong to the ant type known for being aggressive and difficult to get rid of. These large, aggressive insects aren’t satisfied when they invade your home; they will also attack anything in their path, including people and animals. If you have soldier ants in your home, you have to take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are a few different methods on how to get rid of soldier ants, and the best way for you will depend on the infestation size and the ants’ location.
- Sweep up any ants you see and dispose of them.
- Find the main ant colony and pour boiling water over it.
- Place ant traps around your home.
- Put a mixture of borax and sugar around the perimeter of your home.
- Use insecticide sprays.
- Call an exterminator.
What Are Soldier Ants?
Soldier ants are one of the most important castes in an ant colony. They are the ones who protect the colony from invaders and keep it safe. Soldier ants are larger than the other individuals in the colony and have bigger jaws. They also have a chemical in their bodies that makes them smell different from other individuals. This chemical serves them to communicate with other insects in the colony. They only come out of the nest to protect it and they do not go out to look for food.
Do Soldier Ants Pose a Danger to Humans?
In some parts of the world, soldier ants are considered a nuisance because they can enter a home in large numbers and cause a bit of a disturbance. However, these insects are not considered to be a danger to humans. While they might bite when they feel threatened, their bites are not poisonous, and they do not carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Where Do Soldier Ants Live?
Soldier ants are found in many different habitats throughout the world. In tropical regions, they typically live in rainforests, while in areas with a temperate climate, they more likely prefer forests or grasslands. However, you can also meet them in urban areas such as parks or gardens. These insects typically live in nests that are built by workers. These nests are located in the ground, in tree trunks, or even in buildings. The size of the nest depends on the species of soldier ants, but it can range from a few hundred to several thousands of ants.
What Attracts Soldier Ants?
When it comes to soldier ants, there are a few things that attract them. One of the most important factors that attract these insects is the presence of food. If there’s any food on the spot, soldier ants will find this place hospitable. Another thing that attracts them is the presence of other ants. If they detect the scent of other individuals, they will also check on this area. Additionally, territories with a high level of moisture are also appealing to them. They need a lot of water to stay hydrated and usually dwell in areas where they can find it.
Signs of an Infestation of Soldier Ants
A soldier ant infestation can be a serious problem for any homeowner. These insects are large and aggressive, and they can cause serious damage to your home. If you suspect that you have a soldier ant infestation, there are a few signs to look for:
- One of the most obvious signs of a pest infestation is the presence of large species in your home. These insects are much larger than regular ants, and they are often black or red. You might also notice that they are very aggressive, and they might even bite or sting you if they feel threatened.
- Another sign of an infestation is if you see an ant nest in your home. These nests can be large and hardly noticeable, so you have to thoroughly check all the cracks and crevices around your home.
- Finally, you can also indicate a soldier ant infestation by the damage that these pests can cause. They are known for damaging wood and other materials in your home.
How to Get Rid of Soldier Ants: Easy Extermination Guide
To completely get rid of soldier ants and minimize the risk of damage they can cause, you need a reliable algorithm that will support you on the way. I’ve compiled a detailed guide on how to get rid of these pests in eleven simple steps.
Step 1. Identify the source of the problem
If you have soldier ants in your home, they likely came from outside. Inspect your home for any cracks or openings that these insects could have used to get inside. Once you find the entry point, seal it up with caulk or another sealant.
Step 2. Locate the nest
Soldier ants live in small to medium size colonies with a main nest and satellite nests. Once you locate the main nest, you can eliminate the entire colony. If you only kill the workers and leave the main nest untouched, the colony will simply rebuild. These insects usually build their nests in soil, so look for any raised areas of dirt in your yard.
If you find the nest, you can destroy it by pouring boiling water over it or using an insecticide. If you find soldier ants in your home, vacuum them up or sweep them into a dustpan and dispose of them. Ensure to empty the vacuum bag immediately afterward to prevent ants from returning to your home.
Step 3. Using diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth it’s a white powdery substance that will kill soldier ants without poisoning your family or pets. This is a substance that works very effectively on ants, as it can penetrate their exoskeleton and cause insects to dry out. Use a powder duster to apply the diatomaceous earth to the ants’ nest. You can also sprinkle it around the doorways and windows to prevent ants from getting into your home.
Step 4. Using apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the perfect natural solution to get rid of soldier ants. For this, you need to mix some water and vinegar in a ratio of 1:1 and pour this mixture on soldier ants. They will die immediately.
Step 5. Make sugar bait
One of the most effective ways to get rid of soldier ants is to set up a sugar lure station. To do this, simply mix some sugar, baking soda, and water and place it in a shallow dish. Then, place the dish near where you’ve seen the soldier ants. They will be attracted to the sugar and will start to feed on it. Once they are saturated, they’ll return to the nest and share the sugar with other ants. This will eventually kill the entire colony.
Step 6. Boric acid bait
If you don’t want to use sugar, you can also try setting up a bait station with boric acid. Boric acid is poisonous to ants and will kill them if they eat it.
Step 7. Using soapy water
Soapy water will kill soldier ants but it’s safe for your family and pets. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 cup of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the ants’ nest.
Step 8. Using insecticide
Another way to get rid of soldier ants is to use insecticide. There are a variety of insecticides that are effective against these insects. Be sure to vigorously follow the instructions on the package, as some insecticides can be harmful to humans if you use them improperly.
Step 9. Using pesticide spray
I recommend choosing a product that’s developed specifically to kill ants fast, as many general-purpose pesticides will not be effective. Apply the spray around the perimeter of your home, as well as any areas where you have seen soldier ants.
Step 10. Using ready-made bait
Another method for getting rid of soldier ants is to use commercial ant bait. These baits are designed to attract ants and kill them when they consume the poison. Be sure to choose bait that’s specifically designed to kill soldier ants, as many general-purpose baits will not be effective.
Step 11. Seek help from professionals
If a permanent ant killer does not give results, you might need to call a professional. Pest control companies have access to more powerful pesticides and extermination methods that can be effective in getting rid of even the most stubborn infestations.
How to Prevent Soldier Ants
After the treatment, the pest control company will likely recommend that you take some steps to prevent soldier ants from returning to your home. These steps might include the following measures:
- Seal up any cracks or crevices in your home where ants can enter;
- Remove food sources that attract them;
- Use ant baits or traps;
- Eliminate moisture sources by fixing leaks and emptying standing water;
- Reduce the amount of honeydew-producing insects in your yard with insecticidal soap or
- horticultural oil sprays;
- Remove outdoor nesting sites by trimming back vegetation and clearing away debris.
FAQ About Soldier Ants
If you come to this point, you already know the basic steps you should take to eliminate these pests and prevent them from entering your household territory again. However, some questions might still need clarification. In this case, read my answers below.
What do ants hate the most?
There are a few things that ants really hate:
- The first is the smell of vinegar. Vinegar is a natural ant repellent, which will keep them away from your home.
- The second is the smell of citrus. Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are all great at keeping ants away.
- The third is cayenne pepper. Ants can’t stand the heat, so sprinkling some cayenne pepper around your home will deter them.
What’s the best way to get rid of army ants?
If you have an infestation of army ants, the best way to get rid of them is to call an exterminator. Army ants are very difficult to get rid of on your own, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. Pest control companies have the essential experience and equipment to safely and effectively eliminate army ants.
How do I get rid of black soldier ants?
The most effective way to get rid of black soldier ants is to use bait that contains boric acid. Boric acid is a poison that kills ants when they ingest it. Another way is to use a spray with pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that kills the ants on contact.
Do army ants bite humans?
Yes, army ants can bite humans, but they are not known to be particularly aggressive toward people. These bites usually occur if you accidentally step on or disturb an army ant nest. While army ant bites are not poisonous, they can be quite painful and often result in swelling and redness.
Make the Invaders Leave
Now that you know the battling ants’ measures, you will be able to keep your home safe from them. Though soldier ants are not a threat to humans, they can become a nuisance when they invade your home. Whatever method you choose, be patient. It might take a few days or weeks to completely eliminate soldier ants from your home.
I hope this article was helpful to you. Have you tried any of the aforementioned solutions?
If you have other proven ways to get rid of soldier ants, please share them in the comments below.
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