The Different Types of Ants That Could Be In Your Home

Ants are often seen as industrious little creatures, but they can quickly become a major pain when they invade your space. We’ve all seen how these tiny pests are masters of sneaking inside and growing in numbers. While there are many species of ants, understanding the different types that may invade your space can help you identify the problem and take the right steps to control it.

Odorous House Ants

The odorous house ant is one of the most common ants to invade homes. These small ants are dark brown to black in color. They are known for their strong, unpleasant odor when crushed, which is why they earned their name. Odorous house ants are often attracted to food sources like sweets, proteins, and grease.

Where are they found? They typically nest in walls, under floors, or in moisture-rich areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are larger than most other ant species and are usually black, red, or a combination of both. Unlike termites, which eat wood, carpenter ants simply tunnel through it to create their nests.

Where are they found? These ants are often found in areas with moisture damage, as they prefer to nest in damp wood.

Sugar Ants

Sugar ants are drawn to sweet foods, which makes kitchens, pantries, and dining areas prime targets for infestations. They are small and light brown or black, and they can quickly overwhelm a food source. Properly sealing food containers and cleaning up immediately after meals can help keep sugar ants at bay.

Where are they found? Anywhere you store food.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants that are often found outdoors but may move indoors in search of food or shelter. Pavement ants feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, dead insects, and sweets. They are highly persistent and can be difficult to get rid of once inside.

Where are they found? They typically nest in cracks in the pavement or under stones but can enter homes through gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are tiny, yellow to light brown ants that can be particularly troublesome in indoor environments. These ants are known for forming large colonies and spreading quickly through walls, cracks, and even electrical outlets. Unlike other ants, pharaoh ants can reproduce rapidly, making them challenging to eliminate once they've infiltrated your home.

Where are they found? They are typically found in warmer areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Ant Infestation Prevention

To avoid an indoor ant infestation, it's crucial to properly seal food and promptly clean up any fallen crumbs or spills. Here are some additional tips for preventing ants in your home:

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent ants from entering.
• Store food in airtight containers to help eliminate attractive scents that might draw ants.
• Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, including counters, floors, and inside cabinets to remove food particles.
• Eliminate moisture by fixing leaky pipes or using a dehumidifier in damp areas to deter moisture-loving ants like carpenter ants.

If you're dealing with a hard-to-control ant infestation, it may be time to call Mosquito Squad. Our Home Shield Protection Package targets ants, spiders, cockroaches, and scorpions to help prevent outdoor infestations. Contact us today for a free quote.