SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Little Black Ants

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside

Weather

Calendar

Today in
S.C.V. History

September 20

1954 - C-46 cargo plane crashes at Saugus Drunk Farm; Civil Air Patrol chaplains parachute to safety [story]

Little Black Ants

Back to Nature | Commentary by Mari Carbajal

Mari Carbajal | Friday, Sep 11, 2015

Click Here to Get Our 'SCV This Morning' Newsletter

Tweet This

Facebook

Digg This

Bookmark

Stumble

RSS

In August, I told you about my database and keeping your eyes open to a wide variety of insects, flowers, animals, birds, etc., and then tracking what you find.

Was it cold or hot when you saw what you saw? Have you seen it before under the same or different circumstances? Can you compare the various characteristics to weather patterns?

These are all interesting questions you should ask yourself. But sometimes even I get thrown for a loop, which is why I’ve chosen to write about common black ants this month in relation to my database.

We all know what an ant is – a pest. Looking at several years of data in my spreadsheet, I found that ants have not been that big of a problem. A few here, a few there; some years I’ve seen a bit more than the previous year or even the previous month.

But this year has been insane.

Several species of ants exist in Southern California: pavement ants, harvester ants, fire ants, thief ants, Argentine ants and carpenter ants, to name a few. There is little difference between them; all create colonies in one form or another, and all typically have at least one queen and workers.

The classification of ants is based on the number of nodes in their bodies, shell color, and general body shape. For the little black ant, a worker ant is approximately 1/16 inch long, and the queen averages around 1/8 inch. They nest just about anywhere, even inside your house. The little black ant is a scavenger, a predator and a forger and will eat whatever it can find.

Now, down to the reason I’m writing this about these ants. I’ve lived in Agua Dulce for 23 years. I’ve watched and recorded information for at least the past 10 years. I see black ants and grease ants (also called thief ants), especially in the summer when most ants are mating. But this year has been a record high. Starting in June, I was seeing more black ants than normal, but nothing overwhelming.

July came, and I saw more. In my front yard, they were literally swarming on the pavers in huge numbers, and one actually stung me. I didn’t even know they could sting. Going around the yard in no particular pattern, and not seeming to be after anything in particular, they just walked around being ants.

In August, they started getting bolder and worked their way into the house in droves. I’ve seen ants in my house before, but nothing like this.

Usually ants will walk single-file (or as near to it as they can). Sometimes I could tell they were after food, water or trash. Other times they were just wandering around after nothing at all.

I walked into my computer room one day, and it was as if the floor were moving. I was convinced the entire colony was on the floor and they had invited all of their neighbors. They didn’t seem to be after anything in particular, and they weren’t moving in a trail – just wandering all over at random.

A week or so later, I went to check if my cats needed food in their dish, and there was a trail of black ants at least 3 inches in width, coming under my front door, across the entryway floor, up the wall, onto the table and into the cat’s dish after the food.

It was like a horror movie. This is no exaggeration. The last straw was a few days later when my daughter found ants trailing around the seam of the pillow-top on her mattress. I couldn’t believe it.

I’ve asked various friends and colleagues, and only one other person I found was having a similar problem. My daughter told me one of her friends in Santa Clarita woke up one morning to find ants all over him. Yuck. That’s the closest story I’ve heard in relation to my nightmare.

This is a definite entry into the database I told you about last month. The real question now is, “why?” There are several assumptions that could explain the abundance of ants this year. One is the drought, or maybe the heat, or both. But I’ve been through both in the past and never had this kind of experience.

My next thought was the upcoming winter. After all, we are supposed to have an El Niño this winter. Are the ants gearing up for a big flood? What do they know that we don’t?

Whatever the reason, I’m noting this with enthusiasm and interest, and I can’t wait to see what happens. I just might be referring to this article, come winter.

If you’ve had any incidents like I have had with these black ants, please post your comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Mari Carbajal is a docent-naturalist at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center.

Comment On This Story

COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

12 Comments

Shannon Rider says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

The ants are everywhere!

Reply
Sabrina Smith says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

I live in Saugus off of Plum Canyon. They are everywhere. In every room. They are randomly crawling on me. Some mornings I wake to find 7 or so randomly walking around on my nightstand. I stood up from the toilet last night and one was on the seat. UHMMMM – that is getting really too close for comfort. I can’t get away from them. I leave home and head to work (in Burbank) – they are crawling on me in my car. I get to work they are crawling on my desk. It is a walking nightmare and I am beginning to panic!! My poor husband is losing his mind. I wish it would just rain already!

Reply
Sabrina Smith says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

It’s a walking nightmare! My husband is in hell. It is like the Dad from A Christmas Story. Dad vs. the Dogs and Heater – my husband vs. the ants

Reply
Francoise Marie Halliday says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

Ants have been invading cars in the parking lots in the school I work at. Crazy.

Reply
Michael Jacobs says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

It is enerally argentine ants and the source is usually outside of the structure. The most effective treatment available at this time is a permiter treatment with Termidor. It is low toxicity and has a long lasting residual. It is also non repellent so that the ants will continue to track through it and can often track it back to their nests. Most pest control companies will not allow their technicians to use this product because it costs more to use. Hint: Never use ant bait inside your home without first performing a comple exterior perimeter treatment. Otherwise you will attract ants from all over the neighborhood and often make the problem worse!! Mike Jacobs, Owner/ operator ASAP Pest Control

Reply
- Rachael Barajas says:
  
  Saturday, Sep 12, 2015 at
  
  Pm sent.
  
  Reply
Rachael Barajas says:

Friday, Sep 11, 2015 at

They’re EVERYWHERE!

Reply
Carol Hill says:

Saturday, Sep 12, 2015 at

Black ants everywhere! The most I’ve seen in the time I’ve lived here.
Your theory is interesting. Guess we will have to wait to see!

Reply
Tessa Lucero says:

Saturday, Sep 12, 2015 at

The Santa Clarita Valley seems to have more ants than any other place I’ve lived. The little fu…er…suckers are everywhere, mostly the small black (Argentine) ants that come into homes and other buildings in search of cool temperatures and water. If you have an ant problem, it’s not usually because your home is dirty — they are looking for food, water, and comfort. Just like us.

Apparently the little black ants are all up and down the west coast of North America and they are genetically so close to identical that they don’t fight among themselves. You can scoop up some ants from San Diego, drive them up to San Francisco, shake them out near a colony under the Golden Gate Bridge, and instead of attacking the intruders the SF ants will say “well, hello, cousin! Come on in!” We can’t even count on one group keeping another group’s population under control. And they are crowding out the native ants in this area that some other species evolved to feed on.

There doesn’t seem to be much we can do other than spray the perimeter and squish every ant we see. The Big Toe of Death is employed frequently in our bathroom. The worst was one time I came home and a river of ants was coming down the chimney, out the fireplace, across the living room floor, into the kitchen, and into the cat’s dish. UGH. That’s when you spray the fireplace, grab the vacuum, suck up every ant you can see, take the vacuum outside and throw the (now seething) bag in the trash.

Reply
Patti Koether says:

Sunday, Sep 13, 2015 at

I live in Phoenix, Az in the winter time. Our grassy area in the back yard is full of black ants. We have so many bunnies that come to eat our grass, the ants go after the bunny poop. They bite and it hurts and creates welts and then itches, I feel bad for my dog she goes out and goes poop real fast so they don’t have time to crawl up her legs. Hopefully, we will have a cold winter and they will disappear!

Reply
Liz says:

Tuesday, Sep 15, 2015 at

Just moved here from the east coast where we had ants inside our front & back door every summer. When I saw ants in our bathroom, living room, crawling up the wall of our kitchen & in our bedroom I started freaking out. I thought I must be a terrible housekeeper. Then I found one crawling over me in bed!! We are using Terro now which is supposed to be good stuff. Oh my goodness! Unbelievably creepy the numbers of ants going to drink – creepy.

Reply
M.Longino says:

Friday, Mar 22, 2019 at

Great info. Are you still tracking this in 2019? We just moved out to Palmdale last year and are gearing up for the pest invasion, come summer. Last August, when we moved in I noticed when we watered anything outside next to the house, huge bands of little black ants trailing up the side of the house in three-inch wide trails. I’m sure there are colonies under the slab foundation. Any thoughts on the ant population this coming summer? Also, any extermination (pet safe) suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Opinion Section Policy

All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.

Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity

Thursday, Sep 19, 2024

As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.

Mayor Cameron Smyth | Parenting for Prevention, Building a Drug-Free Future

Friday, Sep 13, 2024

As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.

Ken Striplin | The Green Revolution in Santa Clarita’s Energy Practices

Thursday, Sep 12, 2024

You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.

Scott Wilk | Stressing the Critical Need For Wildfire Preparedness

Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024

California State Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.

Teresa Todd | The Value of Dialogue

Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024

As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?

Kathryn Barger | Do Your Part to Prevent Wildfires

Friday, Sep 6, 2024

As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


Rancho Pico’s Nicole Jolicoeur Named a L..A. County Teacher of the Year William S. Hart Union High School District Teacher of the Year Nicole Jolicoeur has been named a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She is now officially nominated for the California Teacher of the Year.	City Seeks Community Feedback on Safety Grant The city of Santa Clarita is seeking community feedback on a public safety grant proposal for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. All public comments must be received by noon on Friday, Sept. 27.	CalArts Alum Receives Heinz Award for the Arts California Institute of the Arts alum Gala Porras-Kim (Art MFA 2009) was named by Teresa Heinz and the Heinz Family Foundation as one of nine recipients of the 29th Heinz Awards.	Sept. 25: Regular Meeting of the Hart School Board The regular meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Governing Board of Trustees will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.	Sept. 24: Council to Discuss Plans for Whittaker Site The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. The council will discuss plans for the former Whittaker-Bermite property.	SUSD Committee Adjourns Meeting Due to Unruly Crowd The meeting of the Saugus Union School District Asset Management Advisory Committee was adjourned after a large crowd reportedly became unruly during the public comment session.
Today in SCV History (Sept. 20) 1954 - C-46 cargo plane crashes at Saugus Drunk Farm; Civil Air Patrol chaplains parachute to safety [story]	COC Nets $300K from NASA for Student Access to STEM Fields The College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team has received a $300,000 grant from NASA’s Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success program.	Oct. 5: 5K Purple Walk Dogs Against Domestic Violence Bring along a furry friend to the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center's Purple Walk Domestic Violence Awareness 5K on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at the Center’s main facility 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.	Sept. 27-29: Mendelson Presents ‘Provenance’ at The MAIN Written and directed by Braddon Mendelson, produced by Heather Mendelson, and co-produced by Olive Branch Theatricals and Noisivision Studios, "Provenance" will take stage at the The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29.	TMU Women’s Volleyball Opens Conference Play with Road Win The Master's women's volleyball team opened Great Southwest Athletic Conference play on the road in Prescott, Ariz. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, defeating the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.	Kitabatake Medals as COC Women Finish 4th at Sterling Hills Golf Club College of the Canyons freshman Sahya Kitabatake shot a two-under-par round of 70 to tie for medalist honors while helping the Cougars place fourth at the Western State Conference tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo on Monday, Sept. 16.
Sept. 26: Community Invited to David March Park Expansion Groundbreaking One of the city of Santa Clarita community’s most cherished parks, David March Park is set to expand, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., 28310 North Via Joyce Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 with a groundbreaking ceremony.	California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State budget to improve mental health services.	COC Board Appoints College Prof to Area 5 Seat The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.	Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.	Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’ Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.	Bill Miranda \| Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.	Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.	Today in SCV History (Sept. 19) 1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]	Assistance Centers Open for Residents Hit by Bridge, Line Fires The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.	Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network.	Sept. 21: JCI Hosts Resource Fair for Vets JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park.