Ants communicate within their colonies primarily through the use of pheromones. These chemical signals are released by ants and can convey various messages such as marking food trails, signaling danger, or indicating the location of the nest. Additionally, ants can also communicate through tactile interactions, such as antennal touching and vibrating their bodies. Overall, the combination of pheromones and physical interactions allows ants to effectively coordinate their activities and maintain the functioning of the colony.