Ant IPM Checklist
This checklist was developed in California where Argentine ants are a major problem. However, this checklist may be used to help determine the controls needed for any species of ant.
Is the ant an Argentine ant? (Argentine ants are the common dark brown ants you see on sidewalks and kitchen counters. Others pest ants include pharaoh ant, carpenter ant, pavement ant, corn field ant, little black ant, crazy ant, pyramid ant, odorous house ant, and thief ant)
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Is there a trail of ants?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Do you notice food or water attracting ants?
| FOOD | WATER |
Are the ants entering the building from the outside?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Has the building been sealed (cracks and crevices caulked) against pests?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Has the food source inside the building or classroom been eliminated? (Place lunches in a tight container or refrigerator and pet food in containers with tight lids.)
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Have the sinks, counters, and other areas where ants are found been cleaned? (Clean up with hot water, soap, or vinegar.
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Is the area cleaned daily?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Has the area been thoroughly vacuumed including cracks and crevices where food may have accumulated?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
If ants are in a kitchen, has the area where grease may have accumulated, including kitchen equipment, drains, and vents been cleaned?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Can a sticky barrier or very smooth barrier (such as sprayed-on teflon) be used to prevent ants from climbing up the surface?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Is there a source of food outdoors?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Is the food source still readily available? (Ants feed on honeydew produced by aphids and other plant sucking insects. If this source disappears the ants will go forage for food elsewhere and may enter buildings.)
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Have baits been used to control ants?
| YES | NO | UNSURE |
Argentine ants are more of a problem in the fall and winter because outdoor food sources have disappeared. A good IPM program prevents ants by improving sanitation practices (keeping food in tight containers, picking up food outside and emptying trash containers daily), and baiting early in the season especially in areas frequented by ants. Do not wait until ants become a major nuisance before beginning a control program.
When ants are entering structures, follow their trails to determine nest sites. Seal cracks and crevices in walls where ants are entering the building. If ants are living in nests inside the building, determine source of moisture that contributes to the favorable habitat. Also, dry rot in the wood may be present.
Provided by:
Mr. Lyndon Hawkins, Senior Environmental Research Scientist
Department of Pesticide Regulation
Environmental Monitoring and Pest Management
830 K Street
Sacramento, California 95814-3510
