Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Ants

Ants are among the most prevalent pests in households. They are also found in restaurants, hospitals, offices, warehouses, and other buildings where they can find food and water. Although ants are annoying when they come indoors, they can be beneficial by feeding on fleas, termites, and other pests in the garden.

Quick tips

Ants (general)
Las hormigas (Español)

Information in depth (including Pest Notes)

Ants (general)

Identification

Key to identifying common household ants

Other resources

Urban Pest Management of Ants in California
(a for-sale UC ANR publication for professional pest managers)

Videos

What to do if you have an ant emergency (1 min)
Why do ants invade? (1 min)
Overview of ant management program (1 min)
Ant inspection (2 min)
Using baits (4.3 min)
Refillable bait stations (4.5 min)
Full video: Managing Argentine Ants Around the Home (20 min)

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. //PMG/menu.ants.html revised: February 17, 2012. Contact webmaster.