The worker ants are sterile. Ants nesting in the ground usually nest in the top 6 feet of soil. Some ants, like the carpenter ant, can do some damage to structures by hollowing out a place in the wood for their nest and leave little piles of sawdust. But in general, ants are mainly a nuisance pest. Most ants are omnivorous which means they eat almost anything, including insects, honeydew, sweets, greases, oils, vegetables, and bread.
Ants locate food by random searching.
Ants also require water and will travel some distance for it if necessary. The best approach to ant control in the home is cleanliness. Any type of food or food particles can attract and provide food for ants. Store food in tight containers. Remove plants that can attract ants or control aphids, whiteflies and other insects that produce honeydew.