Winged ant Figure 4. Ants have a wide variety of nesting habits and food preferences. Some ants build nests in soil, producing characteristic mounds while others nest in homes behind moldings, baseboards, countertops, and similar places. Still other ants nest in decaying or moisture-damaged wood. Ants feed on different types of food, including starches, meats, fats, and sweets.
Many ants also feed on honeydew, a sweet liquid produced by aphids and scale insects.
Knowledge of ant food and nesting preferences is important in selecting and placing baits. Damage from ants varies. Most are primarily a nuisance and cause little damage. Some, such as Pharaoh ants, may infest food. Others, like carpenter ants, can weaken wood in structures.