Ants are social insects that live in colonies or nests and have three distinct social castes consisting of queens, males, and workers. Of the approximately 100 species of ants found in Canada, most build nests in soil, however, some nest beneath concrete slabs, near foundations, under rocks or in wood.

 

Food sources include sweet exudations of plants or insects, fruits, vegetables and almost anything consumed by human beings. Ants are also useful scavengers of insects and organic matter.

 

Frequently ants become established indoors and become pests.In fact, ants are so abundant and so adaptable, they are impossible to eliminate. Ants should be tolerated as much as possible as they cause little damage in the garden. Many species are beneficial to the environment.