Apr 02, 2025

The world of Ants: Facts, behaviors and ecological importance

Siddhartha Jana

Ants are abundant worldwide

With an estimated 20 quadrillion ants in the world, they outnumber humans by millions to one and may be found practically anywhere.

Source: Canva

Ants are abundant in Australia

With almost 5,000 ant species, tropical Australia is one of the world's most ant-rich locations.

Source: Canva

Ant colonies are very well-organized

Ants work as a group without leaders, utilising swarm intelligence to construct bridges, networks, and even aphid and fungal farms.

Source: Canva

Ants communicate via pheromone trails

Ants leave scent trails to direct nest mates to food, allowing for quick recruitment of thousands to a freshly discovered food source.

Source: Canva

Ants enter homes in search of food and water

During hot or wet weather, they look for crumbs, sticky spills, and water. They may also build their nests in damp areas like restrooms.

Source: Canva

Ants are skilled climbers

They can mount walls and move across smooth surfaces to get to residences on higher floors thanks to adhesive pads and tiny hairs on their feet.

Source: Canva

Ants must be kept out by prevention

Sealing food, removing crumbs, blocking entry points, and disrupting pheromone trails can all help to avoid undesired ant infestations.

Source: Canva

Insecticidal baits can destroy colonies

As most home-invading ants are benign and have ecological functions, insecticides should only be used as a last option.

Source: Canva

Ants are essential to nature

They are more helpful than destructive since they are scavengers, predators, and seed dispersers that maintain a healthy ecology.

Source: Canva

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