Ants are social insects in the Hymenoptera order (bees, wasps and ants). Like bees, they live in large nests comprising a queen and many (sterile female) workers. They can be a nuisance in gardens as they sometimes nest in plant pots and compost bins, while some species make ant hills in the lawn. Ants may sometimes enter our homes if a source of sugary food is easily available.
However they are never more than a nuisance and will not harm you, your children or your pets.
You might be tempted to get rid of ants in your garden, but bear in mind that ants are an important part of the garden ecosystem, being right at the bottom of the food chain, and are therefore an important source of food for many species, including birds and amphibians. There are more than 30 species of ant in the UK, with several of them found in our gardens.
The most common species of ant in the UK is the black ant, Lasius niger. It nests under pavements, in soil, pots and compost heaps, and at the edges of lawns. It is harmless and possesses no sting.
Another common garden ant is the yellow meadow ant, Lasius flavus. It builds small mounds in lawns and may be mistaken for red ants due to its colouring. Like the black ant, it is completely harmless.
Red ants (in the Myrmica genus) can bite and will cause a mild sting. However they are rarely found in gardens. They largely eat insects but some species have a preference for spiders.
Ants cause very little damage in the garden, although if they build a nest in a plant pot then the rootball of the plant may be compromised and cause wilting of the plant. Ant hills in long grass can be annoying but not harmful to either the lawn or the garden. Ants are known to farm aphids for their sweet-tasting honeydew and have been observed trying to disturb aphid predators in order to maintain large numbers of aphids on plants. This can result in plant damage.
As a gardener, you’ve likely noticed ants marching across your garden beds. And if you look closely, you may spot some carrying small white objects. This often causes concern about what they could be transporting. But before jumping to conclusions, keep reading to discover what’s actually happening.
It’s Probably Not Eggs
When ants tote white spherical particles, many gardeners assume they must be eggs. However, ant eggs are microscopic – barely visible without magnification. The white bits are too large to be eggs, so what are they?
It’s the Pupa Stage
The white specks being hauled around are actually ant pupae The pupal phase is part of complete metamorphosis in ants After hatching as a larva, the ant passes through several larval stages. It then forms a protective pupal case and transforms into an adult inside.
Worker ants carefully transport these pupae during this vulnerable process. This explains why the colony mobilizes when disturbed – the workers hurry to move developing young to safety.
Why the Confusion?
It’s an easy blunder to mix up pupae and eggs. Both are small oval and white. But ant eggs are only 0.3-0.5mm, while pupae span 2-6mm. Eggs are also immobile, whereas pupae can be carried.
Larvae Come First
To understand the sequence, recall larvae hatch from eggs. These worm-like, legless larvae fully depend on workers for food and care. Only when mature do larvae form pupae to metamorphose into winged, reproductive adults.
An Essential Process
The pupal stage seems fragile but is crucial in the ant life cycle. Inside the protective casing, the larva basically dissolves then rebuilds as an adult. When complete, the adult chews out and joins the colony.
Formidable Defenses
Ants have evolved impressive defenses to protect vulnerable young. When disturbed workers immediately seize pupae in their jaws and rapidly relocate them. Some species even have specialized soldiers solely for transporting pupae.
A Positive Sign
Seeing ants move pupae can be disturbing if you fear garden infestation. But it also signals a healthy, reproductive colony. And ants provide ecological benefits like aerating soil, dispersing seeds, and eliminating pests. So while occasionally bothersome, watching their reproductive process reminds us of nature’s intricate miracles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the white bits ants carry?
The white particles are pupae – the transitional stage between larva and adult. The pupal casing shields the developing ant as it transforms inside.
Why do ants move their pupae?
Ants carefully relocate pupae for protection when the nest is disrupted or damaged. Moving them to safety ensures the next generation survives.
How to distinguish ant pupae from eggs?
Ant eggs are microscopic, around 0.3-0.5mm. Pupae range from 2-6mm, large enough for transport. Eggs are also immobile, while pupae can be carried.
What do ant larvae look like?
Ant larvae are tiny, worm-like, and legless. They fully depend on workers for care until pupating. Larvae look nothing like the mobile white pupae ants transport.
Why do ants suddenly begin carrying white things?
When ants rapidly start hauling white particles, it likely means their nest was disrupted. The white bits are pupae being evacuated to a backup nest for safety.
So rest assured, those tiny white blobs shuttling around your garden are not a smattering of eggs, but juvenile ants mid-transformation! Understanding the pupal stage allows you to take the ants’ busy activity in stride.
What do ants eat?
Ants eat small insects and other invertebrates and their eggs, as well as plant sap, fruit, and aphid honeydew. Some ants are attracted by sugar and may come into your home if theres an easily available food source.
Red ants (Myrmica) can sting, but for most people this is just a minor irritation. And red ants are less common in gardens. Other ants can bite, but rarely puncture the skin. You might feel an ant bite as a sharp pinch, which will stop when you brush the ant off your body.
How to get rid of ants indoors
Some gardeners use sprays, powders and even boiling water to get rid of ants. Remember that ants are part of the garden ecosystem and are a vital source of food for other species, such as birds and amphibians. Sprays and powders contain insecticides which can harm other insects, such as bees, and which also leach into the soil and can harm soil invertebrates such as earthworms.
Here are some kinder, non-toxic methods of deterring ants, without harming them or the environment:
1. Locate the source of infestation
If ants are coming into your home, the most important thing to do is find out why. Try to see where theyre travelling to or coming from, which should alert you to the presence of an available food source – be it an open bag of sugar or jar of jam with the lid not fixed on properly. Once you have found the food source, remove it, and the ants should return outside.
2. Use vinegar to remove ant trails
Teams of scout ants leave pheromones to alert other ants to the source of food. Simply sweeping the ants up wont stop more turning up – you need to remove the pheromone scents left behind. To do this, use a few sprays of white vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) and wipe with a damp cloth. This should destroy the pheromone trails and stop the ants in their tracks.
3. Deter ants with scented oils
To deter ants from your home, mix strongly scented peppermint or lavender oil with water and spray the mixture on to entry points like windowsills or door frames.