Ants are sociable insects that care for their young. Most ant problems are a direct result of insect infestations in plants and trees. Aphids , Scale Insects and Mealybugs suck the sap of plants. Ants will transport Aphids from plant to plant and take the eggs into their colony for the winter. Ants will also protect Aphids from insect predators, such as Lady Beetles, Lacewings etc.
Ant colonies consist of males, females and workers.
When swarming winged male and female ants mate in flight after which they search for an appropriate nesting site, usually in soil, under concrete, or in rotting stumps and wood. Once found, they shed their wings and the male dies soon after. Incubation varies from 10 days to several months depending on temperature. Larger Ants are produced for defense. Once well established, colonies will produce winged male and female Ants that swarm and the process starts all over again.