Ants are one of the most common pests and one of the most difficult to combat. You’ll see them in your cupboards, your pantry, all over the floor. It doesn’t take long for them to take over! With their abundance, they make easy meals for many animals in New Jersey and southern Pennsylvania. Completely depending on animals for ant problem isn’t the best solution. Enlisting the help of Cooper Pest Solutions will make it so you don’t have to worry about ants again.
Can Birds Help Control Ant Populations?
Many local bird species have a complex diet that extends beyond earthworms and seeds. Some birds like to eat ants, whether this means right off the ground or even out of trees and logs. Woodpeckers are among the biggest consumers of ants. These birds enjoy taking ants by making holes in the wood and extracting ants. Other birds, such as sparrows, wrens, nuthatches, chickadees, and starlings, will eat ants crawling along the ground and around their anthills.
Which Mammals Eat Ants?
When you think of what eats ants, you may not consider larger animals. Even though ants are tiny, it doesn’t stop much bigger mammals from dining on these insects. Brown bears, for instance, commonly eat ants along with honey when they find this treat under logs, rocks, and other places. Coyotes will take large numbers of ants out of their nests when they want a snack. Moles and skunks are known to eat ants as well.
Do Insects Eat Ants?
Much smaller creatures eat ants, too. In fact, it’s not unusual for other ants to eat ants on some occasions. Fire ants and army ants dine on smaller species. Even some ants of the same size will cannibalize each other. Beetles, caterpillars, and flies pluck ants off the ground or other easy-to-access places as quick meals. Spiders aren’t insects, but they inhabit many of the same places as ants, and will munch a line of ants like they're at a buffet.
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, arachnids that eat ants include:
- Black widow
- Lynx spider
- Jumping spider
What's the Best Way to Get Rid of Ants?
It’s nice to know that many animals hunt ants, but relying on them isn't the best way to solve your ant problem. If you have a serious ant infestation, you'll want to turn to a professional ant exterminator.
Cooper Pest Solutions can assess your ant prevention needs and eliminate ant colonies in and around your property. Since 1950, Cooper has been providing quality, safe, and effective pest control to the NJ and southern PA residents. After inspection, our technicians will treat your property for the current ant infestation and any future ones. We will also provide you tips on how to keep ants out in the future.
Call us today to get started!
If you’re looking to put a stop to ants, contact Cooper Pest Solutions. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all of our services!
