Sugar Ants

Sugar ants are a general term for small ants that are attracted to sweet foods. The name is commonly used to describe several different species, including odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile), pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum), and Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). However, the true sugar ant (Camponotus consobrinus) is a species native to Australia.

Are Sugar Ants Dangerous?

Sugar ants, while not directly dangerous in the way that venomous or aggressive insects might be, can still pose several risks. Here are some ways they can be considered a threat:

Food Contamination – Sugar ants can crawl over unsanitary surfaces before entering homes and businesses. They can carry bacteria and pathogens from garbage, feces, or other contaminated areas to food sources, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Allergic Reactions – Some people may experience allergic reactions from ant bites or contact with their waste. While sugar ants do not bite aggressively, their presence in large numbers can increase the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic responses.
Infestation Growth – If left unchecked, sugar ant colonies can grow rapidly. This can lead to widespread infestations that are difficult to eliminate, causing long-term nuisance and potential damage to food storage and kitchen areas.
Damage to Property – Some species of sugar ants, such as the odorous house ant, can nest inside walls, electrical outlets, or insulation. Over time, their nesting habits can contribute to minor structural damage and create hidden infestations that require costly pest control interventions.
Attracting Other Pests – The presence of sugar ants can attract other pests, such as spiders or predatory insects that feed on ants. Additionally, open food sources that attract sugar ants may also lure in cockroaches or rodents, compounding the problem.

While sugar ants are not the most dangerous pest, their ability to spread germs, cause infestations, and create inconvenience makes them a pest worth addressing quickly.

Sugar and Ants

Ants are highly attracted to sugar and other sweet substances. Sugar provides them with a quick and efficient energy source in the form of carbohydrates, which fuels their daily activities and colony functions. Many common household ants are especially drawn to sugary foods like honey, syrup, fruit, and candy.

Ants detect sugar through their strong sense of smell, using their antennae to locate food sources. Once they find sugar, they leave behind pheromone trails to guide other worker ants to the food, leading to rapid infestations if left unchecked.

If you're dealing with an ant problem, it's important to eliminate sugar spills, store food in airtight containers, and clean surfaces regularly. Additionally, using bait traps that contain a mix of sugar and slow-acting insecticides can effectively control an ant colony by allowing the workers to carry the poison back to the nest.

Sugar Ant Killers

Sugar ants can be effectively controlled using a number of different insecticides. The best approach typically involves a combination of baiting and residual sprays. Here are some effective insecticide options:

Baits (Best for Colony Elimination)

Since sugar ants are attracted to sweet foods, baiting is highly effective. The ants take the bait back to the colony, killing the queen and other workers.

Bait Active Ingredients:
- Boric Acid (Borax-based products) – Slow-acting but effective when mixed with sugar-based attractants.
- Hydramethylnon – Found in ant baits like Maxforce, provides colony-wide eradication.
- Indoxacarb – Used in products like Advion Ant Gel, effective for multiple ant species.

Repellent Residual Sprays (For Immediate Contact Kill & Barrier Protection)

These sprays create a long-lasting barrier that kills ants on contact and prevents re-entry.

Effective Active Ingredients:
- Bifenthrin – Found in Talstar P, great for perimeter and baseboard treatments.
- Lambda-Cyhalothrin – Used in Demand CS, providing long residual protection.
- Deltamethrin – Found in Suspend SC, effective for indoor and outdoor use.
- Cypermethrin – Present in products like Cynoff WP, works well for exterior treatments.

Non-Repellent Sprays (For Hidden Colonies & Long-Term Control)

Unlike repellent residual sprays, these are undetectable by ants, allowing them to spread the toxin.

Effective Active Ingredients:
- Fipronil – Found in Termidor SC, excellent for perimeter treatments.
- Imidacloprid – Used in Premise or Dominion 2L, effective for ant trails.

Dust Insecticides (For Wall Voids & Hard-to-Reach Areas)

If ants are nesting in walls or cracks, dusts provide long-lasting control.

Best Active Ingredients:
- Diatomaceous Earth – A natural desiccant that dries out ants.
- Boric Acid Powder – Kills ants over time as they groom themselves.
- Delta Dust (Deltamethrin) – Provides long residual effects in voids.
- Cimexa Dust (Silica Gel) – Absorbs lipids from the ant exoskeleton, dehydrating them.

Natural & Organic Options

For eco-friendly control:

Essential Oils (Peppermint, Tea Tree, or Lemon Eucalyptus) – Can disrupt trails and deter entry.
Vinegar & Water Spray – Removes scent trails but does not kill ants.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) – Causes dehydration and death.

Best Approach for Sugar Ant Control

Start with baiting – Use sugar-based baits with Borax, Fipronil, or Indoxacarb to target the colony.
Apply non-repellent residual sprays – Use Fipronil or Imidacloprid-based products along trails and entry points.
Use residual insecticides for long-term control – Apply Bifenthrin or Lambda-Cyhalothrin as a barrier treatment.
Seal entry points – Caulk cracks, gaps, and potential nesting areas.
Maintain sanitation – Eliminate food sources and clean surfaces to prevent reinfestation.

Professional Sugar Ant Control

Hiring our professional exterminators to eliminate sugar ants can be beneficial in several situations, particularly when DIY methods fail or the infestation is severe. Here are some scenarios where professional intervention might make sense:

Large or Persistent Infestations

If you’ve tried over-the-counter baits and sprays but still see ants, the colony may be too large or located in a hard-to-reach area.
Recurring infestations often indicate multiple nests or a hidden colony inside walls, which require specialized treatments.

Sugar Ants Are Nesting Inside Your Home

Sugar ants sometimes establish colonies inside walls, behind cabinets, or under flooring.
Our exterminators use non-repellent insecticides and dust treatments to reach hidden nests.

Structural Damage or Wood-Nesting Ants

Some sugar ant species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage by burrowing into wood.
Our professionals can inspect for signs of wood damage and apply appropriate treatments.

Ants Are Spreading to Multiple Areas

If you notice ants in various parts of your home (kitchen, bathrooms, basements), it may indicate multiple satellite colonies.
Our exterminators use perimeter treatments and baiting strategies to eliminate all colonies.

You Need Fast & Effective Results

DIY methods take time, sometimes weeks, to fully eliminate a colony.
We have access to stronger, professional-grade insecticides and techniques for faster elimination.

Business or Commercial Property Infestation

If sugar ants are invading a restaurant, hotel, office, or other commercial property, professional extermination ensures timely compliance with health regulations.
Routine maintenance plans are designed to prevent future infestations.

You Have Pets or Small Children

If you're concerned about using chemical sprays or baits around pets and kids, our professionals can apply targeted treatments safely.
We offer eco-friendly and low-toxicity solutions.