Can Ants Swim?
Ants are so much more than just an annoyance. They’re the most prolific creatures in this world. They are hard-working and they lift 100 times their body weight. But have you ever seen an ant swimming in the water? They’re not great at it, but they can still manage to stay afloat. In this blog post, we’ll explore why ants can swim and their swimming habits.
Can Ants Swim?
Ants are incredible foragers, but most ant species cannot swim but can still float on top of the water. However, an ant’s body tends to repel water. Unlike others, their legs are not suitable for the type of forwarding motion needed in swimming. They will try to swim clumsily and kick themselves around.
Ants are amazing survivors. Not only can they hold their breath underwater for long periods, but some species have been known to build lifeboats when flooding occurs.
How Can Ants Float in Water?
Fire ants are one of the ants species that can float in water. They are intelligent creatures. When the floodwater gets accumulated in and around their nests, these resilient insects can join together to build a raft that will allow them more buoyancy and float on water. They could pop up back to the ground surface if submerged in the water. Ants can float on top of the water until they find a suitable dry place to build a new home.
How Long Can Ants Survive in Water?
Ants can survive submerged in water for a very long time. Some types of ants have been known to remain underwater until 24 hours, while others only need 14 days!
Ants don’t breathe like humans or other animals do. Ants don’t have lungs; instead, they use spiracles which are holes on either side of them where air can go in or out with ease, which allows for breathing. Tube-like structures in the ant’s body connect spiracles together and allow for oxygen distribution and release of carbon dioxide. To prevent drowning, an individual will close their spiracles so that water won’t enter. At this stage, they hold their breaths until they dry off.
Is Water an Effective Ant Control Method?
No, water is not an effective method to get rid of ants. In fact, it can actually make the problem worse. This is because when ants try to escape the floodwaters, they will often end up in your home, where they will continue searching for food and shelter.
How to Get Rid of Ants?
Ants are pesky creatures that can be difficult to get rid of. The best way to eliminate these is to eliminate their food source and nests. You can do this by:
- Keeping your house clean and free of food crumbs: Ants are attracted to food, so it's essential to keep your home clean and free of food debris. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and vacuum regularly.
- Sealing up entry points: Look around your home and identify any potential entry points that ants could use to get inside. Seal up cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, and any other openings.
- Eliminating moisture: Ants are also attracted to moisture, so it's essential to keep your home dry. Fix any leaks, drips, or other sources of water. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Using ant baits and traps: Ant baits and lures can effectively get rid of ants. Place baits in areas where you've seen ants activity, and check the traps regularly to see if they've been caught.
If you’re struggling to get rid of ants on your own, contact a pest control professional for help. They will be able to identify the type of ant you’re dealing with and provide treatment options to get rid of them for good.