How to Get Rid of Ants Without Harming Bees

Ants and bees may seem like very different insects, but they actually have a lot in common. Both are social insects that live in colonies with queens workers males, and brood. They are both in the order Hymenoptera, meaning they are closely related. This close relationship means that what harms ants can also harm bees. So getting rid of ants in and around your home requires some care if you want to avoid harming any nearby bee colonies. With the right techniques and products, you can target ants while keeping bees safe.

Why Ants Can Be Problematic

Ants are extremely common pests that can invade homes and become a nuisance in a number of ways

• They forage for food inside, especially sugary and greasy items in the kitchen and pantry. Ant trails end up everywhere.

• Some species bite or sting, causing pain and irritation. Fire ants are particularly aggressive.

• Ants farm and protect populations of aphids and other sap-sucking insects that can damage plants.

• Outdoor ant nests in lawns or gardens are unsightly and can damage plant roots. Mounds also pose a tripping hazard.

• Indoor nests inside wall voids or under insulation can cause structural damage.

Dangers of Broad-Spectrum Insecticides to Bees

It’s understandable to reach for strong chemical pesticides when faced with ant infestations. But common ant-killing ingredients like synthetic pyrethroids are also highly toxic to bees:

• Sprays – Non-targeted spraying around the exterior foundation and landscaping can directly contact and kill any pollinators in the area.

• Residue – Chemical residues remain toxic on treated surfaces. Bees picking up traces on their bodies can transport toxins back to hives.

• Systemic Uptake – Systemic insecticides are absorbed into plant tissues, so bees ingest toxins while gathering nectar and pollen. The poisons stay toxic inside bee bodies.

• Repellents – Chemical repellents make ants avoid treated areas but also repel and disorient pollinators.

Bees provide vital pollination services, so avoiding broad-spectrum and residual sprays is critical. The key is using more targeted ant baits and non-chemical deterrents whenever possible.

Ant Control Methods That Protect Bees

There are several highly effective ways to control ants while minimizing risks to bees:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – The tiny fossilized exoskeletons in DE damage ants’ outer shells, causing dehydration. DE is non-toxic to bees. Use it to treat ant nests and entry points. Reapply after rainfall.

• Boric Acid – This slow-acting stomach poison bait kills ants but is relatively harmless to bees since they do not ingest it. Apply it in concealed, hard-to-reach indoor spots ants frequent.

• Liquid Baits – Containing boric acid or another ant toxin, these sweet liquid baits draw ants to the indoors to feed. Place them out of the reach of children and pets.

• Gel Baits – Gel baits are highly attractive to ants but pose minimal risks to bees since they remain confined inside wall voids and cracks. Reapply gels 2-3 times per year.

• Nest Removal – Physically digging up and eliminating outdoor ant nests deprives colonies of their home bases. Be sure to wear protective clothing when doing this.

• Barriers – Applying petroleum jelly or tape around potential entry points blocks ants but does not harm bees. Refresh barriers regularly.

• Sanitation – Keeping kitchen and pantry areas clean, fixing water leaks, and sealing food containers denies ants access to sustenance.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

For severe or difficult-to-control infestations, calling a professional exterminator may be necessary. But be sure to communicate the necessity of avoiding bee-toxic products and practices:

• Require bait-only treatments, not general exterior sprays.
• Ask them to use baits in concealed, out-of-reach areas only.
• Inquire about growth regulator products that specifically target ants but not bees.
• Request that any outdoor treatments stay confined to cracks and not open soil.
• Ask them to hand-apply baits instead of spraying wherever possible.

With some diligence and the right mix of tactics, you can manage nuisance ants successfully while still protecting the essential bees that pollinate your garden. Focus on ant-specific baits, barriers, nest removal, and sanitation instead of excessive spraying. A few more ants may be worth tolerating to sustain vital backyard bee populations that benefit the whole ecosystem.