Ant Control

Common Types of Ants & Control Solutions

Ants play an important role in your local ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they should feel welcome at your backyard picnic, or in your pantry.

Say Good Riddance to Ants

Ant Control

Ants play an important role in your local ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they should feel welcome at your backyard picnic, or in your pantry. Left unchecked, ants can infest unsealed food, spread germs, or damage infrastructure.

Read on to learn about common types of ants, tips for managing ants on your property, and about your options for professional ant pest control.

Need pest control now? Find your local pest pros and schedule a Squad Home Shield pest package to manage ants and other intrusive pests on your property. 

Ant Fun Fact💭🐜

There are more ants on Earth than any other creature! There are an estimated 2.5 million ants for every human.

Common Types of Ants

There are thousands of different species of ants around the world. Ants common to North America include:

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are large, typically black ants that can cause structural damage to wood. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but hollow it out to build nests. They're often found in damp, decaying wood, which is why they’re commonly seen in trees, decks, and homes with water damage.

Odorous House Ants

These small brown or black ants get their name from the strong and rotten odor they emit when crushed. They often invade homes in search of food and tend to nest near sources of moisture like water heaters, sinks, and leaky pipes. Once they’re inside, it can be hard to get rid of them, as colonies have multiple queens and multiple nests.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are small brown to black ants that are often found nesting under pavement, sidewalks, and driveways. They invade homes through cracks, especially during hot or wet weather. Pavement ants are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, making them a common household pest.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are tiny yellow or light brown ants known to carry bacteria. They’re also difficult to control because they form multiple colonies. Pharoah ants can feed on a wide variety of food, from sugary substances to grease.

Army Ants

These nomadic ants form large colonies that march across the landscape, consuming everything in their path. They forage but are also predatory. Army ants are attracted to warm, moist environments. This is why they often invade homes in search of food and shelter. Army ants are nomadic and do not form permanent nests.

Every job is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

It’s our promise.

If you are not fully satisfied with your service, contact your Mosquito Squad office and we will make it right!

Our Guarantee

Get a free quote

Protect what matters most

Mosquitoes icon

Most protection

Complete Home & Yard Package

Starts at $149/mo

Targets: Mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, indoor & outdoor ants, roaches, 15+ yard pests and 20+ home pests

Service Duration: 12 months

Preventing Pests

Tips for Managing Ants on Your Property

You can deter ants from taking up residence in your yard or invading your home by:

  • Draining standing water – Ants are attracted to moisture, so remove any standing water in your yard. Fix leaky hoses or faucets and maintain good drainage to reduce moisture levels. Ants will also seek moisture inside your home. To prevent an infestation, promptly fix leaky pipes, clogged drains, or areas with excess humidity in your home.
  • Keeping your yard clean – Regularly mowing the grass and trimming bushes near your home’s foundation can prevent these spaces from becoming a haven for ants.
  • Sealing cracks and entry points – Inspect your home’s foundation, windows, and doors for cracks or gaps. Use caulk to seal these openings.
  • Using natural deterrents – Some natural deterrents, such as vinegar, lemon juice, coffee grounds, and cinnamon, can help prevent ant infestations. Spread these around the perimeter of your yard or home to stop ants from entering.
  • Sealing food containers – Store food in airtight containers, especially sweet or greasy food. Clean up crumbs and spills quickly to avoid attracting ants.
  • Regularly cleaning your kitchen and dining areas – Sweep, vacuum, and wipe down countertops and floors to remove food particles that might attract ants.

Take Action Against Ants

Ants are small but persistent when it comes to finding food, water, and shelter. Sometimes, that might mean your yard or home. Our Squad Home Shield pest package is the best ant control option to deter these pests and keep them away. Your local Squad® will perform a perimeter spray that will help prevent ants from getting inside. It will also target areas where ants thrive outside to kill them on contact and continue to deter them for up to 21 days.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

Our Mission is Your Satisfaction

From your home’s perimeter to the property line, Mosquito Squad is passionate about helping protect from the potential dangers and irritations that bloodsucking pests bring to your space. Fighting mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests is as easy as 1-2-3!

  • 1

    No Contract

    Enjoy our services without the pressure of a contract—simple and stress-free.

  • 2

    Satisfaction Guarantee

    If you are not completely satisfied with your treatment, contact your office within 14 days of service for a courtesy treatment at no additional charge.

  • 3

    Fast Service

    We strive to schedule your service right away. Call us today, and we promise to have your first treatment scheduled and completed within 48 business hours*, weather permitting! *Only available in participating locations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ants

Why do ants come inside the home?

Ants come indoors in search of food, water, and shelter. Even small crumbs or spills can attract ants, and they often enter homes through cracks, gaps, and windows.

What do ants eat?

Ants are omnivores and eat everything from fallen snack crumbs and sugary substances to other insects! Different species may have specific preferences; for example, sugar ants love sweets, while others may prefer greasy or protein-rich foods.

Do ants bite or sting?

Only a few kinds of ants bite or sting people. Fire ants can deliver painful, even dangerous stings. Others, such as carpenter ants, may bite, but this is usually not dangerous (though it may cause discomfort). Biting ants do not inject venom like stinging ants.

How much weight can an ant carry?

Short answer: a lot. Ants can typically walk off with objects 50 times their body weight. This is like a 180-pound man lifting a grand piano off the ground and carrying it outside. Ants are this powerful because they have proportionally larger muscles than humans and an exoskeleton that provides powerful support. Further, many species work together to carry objects too heavy for a single ant, like a stick of beef jerky, pooling their strength to deliver a large food scrap to their nest.

How many types of ants are there?

There are 12,000 species of ants worldwide. Ants can be found in almost every habitat, from cracked-dry deserts to lush, humid rainforests.

Preventing Pests

Take a closer look at how to keep specific pests out of your home

Real Reviews – Written by real people like you

Customer Reviews of Mosquito Squad

Google reviews logo

4.91 avg

(11351 reviews)

[{u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJYkHPcXnTG1HTnePXCyNynnqad9o1J8eq9ElW7yO3R6QRdXg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'Works very well! The first few days there\u2019s still a few bugs but after a couple treatments you will not have mosquitoes. Much nicer than neighbors who do not get treatment', 'review_content': u'Works very well! The first few days there\u2019s still a few bugs but after a couple treatments you will not have mosquitoes. Much nicer than neighbors who do not get treatment', u'author_name': u'Kathy Mueller', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 20, 1, 15, 42), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Kathy Mueller', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117714090284559524271/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a week ago', u'time': 1740014142, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLcSJlXLviXxjSceUypa-q7Q29Ydcn7xAm_6mklKaPgrSHtnQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'Forrenski is the technician that takes a wonderful care with pests and mosquito spray at my house. He knows exactly what I want and the spots we have that are our concerns regarding mosquitoes, spiders \u2026 and he is always on time and very professional. Mosquito Squad has a great people to answer all your questions and a great Custumer service support. It\u2019s a great company to work with!', 'review_content': u'Forrenski is the technician that takes a wonderful care with pests and mosquito spray at my house. He knows exactly what I want and the spots we have that are our concerns regarding mosquitoes, spiders \u2026 and he is always on time and very professional. Mosquito Squad has a great people to answer all your questions and a great Custumer service support. It\u2019s a great company to work with!', u'author_name': u'Helena Kuahara', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 19, 18, 6, 24), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Helena Kuahara', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106664476423596905949/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a week ago', u'time': 1739988384, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXmWjS5GQ0XxyYBt44UwKtKp7_--aoWo9eJs4HqGd2EgP4OycgU=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba6', u'language': u'en', u'text': u"Mosquito Squad of North Phoenix has completely transformed our ability to enjoy our North Scottsdale home, both indoors and out. As a locally owned and operated business run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, they bring a level of personal attention and care that's increasingly rare in the pest control industry.\n\nTheir comprehensive pest management program goes far beyond just mosquito control. While their 21-day treatment cycle effectively eliminates mosquito eggs and prevents breeding cycles, they've also proven exceptional at managing the full spectrum of Arizona pests, including scorpions and ants. Their expertise with our local pest challenges is evident in every visit.\nWhat sets them apart is their systematic approach and reliability. Every three weeks, without fail, they're here ensuring our property remains pest-free. The impact has been dramatic \u2013 we've gone from being constantly on guard about scorpions and pestered by mosquitoes to feeling completely at ease in our own home. We can now leave our 15-foot sliding doors wide open during dinner parties, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces without worry.\n\nThe transformation of our backyard from a mosquito-laden zone to a peaceful retreat has been nothing short of remarkable. We're finally able to enjoy our outdoor space as intended, whether it's casual family dinners or entertaining guests. The peace of mind knowing that professionals are regularly maintaining our pest-free environment is invaluable.\n\nIf you're looking for reliable, thorough, and professional pest control services in the North Phoenix area, Mosquito Squad is the clear choice. Their local ownership means they understand our unique desert pest challenges, and their commitment to regular maintenance ensures long-lasting results. They've earned our complete trust and highest recommendation.", 'review_content': u"Mosquito Squad of North Phoenix has completely transformed our ability to enjoy our North Scottsdale home, both indoors and out. As a locally owned and operated business run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, they bring a level of personal attention and care that's increasingly rare in the pest control industry.\n\nTheir comprehensive pest management program goes far beyond just mosquito control. While their 21-day treatment cycle effectively eliminates mosquito eggs and prevents breeding cycles, they've also proven exceptional at managing the full spectrum of Arizona pests, including scorpions and ants. Their expertise with our local pest challenges is evident in every visit.\nWhat sets them apart is their systematic approach and reliability. Every three weeks, without fail, they're here ensuring our property remains pest-free. The impact has been dramatic \u2013 we've gone from being constantly on guard about scorpions and pestered by mosquitoes to feeling completely at ease in our own home. We can now leave our 15-foot sliding doors wide open during dinner parties, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces without worry.\n\nThe transformation of our backyard from a mosquito-laden zone to a peaceful retreat has been nothing short of remarkable. We're finally able to enjoy our outdoor space as intended, whether it's casual family dinners or entertaining guests. The peace of mind knowing that professionals are regularly maintaining our pest-free environment is invaluable.\n\nIf you're looking for reliable, thorough, and professional pest control services in the North Phoenix area, Mosquito Squad is the clear choice. Their local ownership means they understand our unique desert pest challenges, and their commitment to regular maintenance ensures long-lasting results. They've earned our complete trust and highest recommendation.", u'author_name': u'Mychael Parker', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 17, 15, 52, 57), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Mychael Parker', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106316562575731879859/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a week ago', u'time': 1739807577, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVvz7YtLtEe0hXDhvX1_iqLChDkn2VY6fS6hqGatvqV3ruR2MU=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'Communication is excellent, always know when they are arriving and if they found any issues we missed. Very respectful of our property.', 'review_content': u'Communication is excellent, always know when they are arriving and if they found any issues we missed. Very respectful of our property.', u'author_name': u'Larry Witherbee', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 17, 14, 17, 7), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Larry Witherbee', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107003870444690348138/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a week ago', u'time': 1739801827, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIVKdiprHXNsVZwDR3BoRaL-lEU-TgXoEaBDWr-a-jizCVEow=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'We thought that the mosquito problem we had in the Midwest would be left behind when we moved. How wrong we were. We couldn\u2019t sit outside without being eaten alive. I was very skeptical of the concept, after all we live across the street from 1000\u2019s of acres of Preserve. Shortly after the first treatment there was a very noticeable drop in mosquitoes. Used the service all summer long and it really made a big difference. I totally recommend the Mosquito Squad.', 'review_content': u'We thought that the mosquito problem we had in the Midwest would be left behind when we moved. How wrong we were. We couldn\u2019t sit outside without being eaten alive. I was very skeptical of the concept, after all we live across the street from 1000\u2019s of acres of Preserve. Shortly after the first treatment there was a very noticeable drop in mosquitoes. Used the service all summer long and it really made a big difference. I totally recommend the Mosquito Squad.', u'author_name': u'George K', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 17, 1, 31, 29), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'George K', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101690615001984535425/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a week ago', u'time': 1739755889, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVuq2Pu35sfElHEyGUvpFUVL0xiA3zmL43znSIA9w3jAcVs_o4=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'I have been using the services of The Mosquito Squad of Scottsdale for 3+ years and I\u2019m so grateful for NO mosquitos! Also, we have also noticed that because of the efficiency of the Mosquito Squad, we also see almost no flies and other pests. I love that we can entertain and use our backyard without having zappers or citronella candles, etc. Bravo!', 'review_content': u'I have been using the services of The Mosquito Squad of Scottsdale for 3+ years and I\u2019m so grateful for NO mosquitos! Also, we have also noticed that because of the efficiency of the Mosquito Squad, we also see almost no flies and other pests. I love that we can entertain and use our backyard without having zappers or citronella candles, etc. Bravo!', u'author_name': u'Anna Wilhelm', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 10, 18, 36, 19), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Anna Wilhelm', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110836954302774664274/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'2 weeks ago', u'time': 1739212579, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJi025K0AdFmLroYU6KfwiKUoCyJWxKUXWAEK4H-BXutyueIw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'I\u2019ve had my fair share of experience with many pest control companies ranging from awful to ok. Mosquito squad was recommended to me by someone I trust so I thought I would give them a try. Joey came out and was very friendly and thorough. He was also very informative and provided me with suggestions to provide the best results. I look forward to seeing how these treatments work for us! Brittany, my scheduler, was also very friendly and helped to get me conveniently scheduled.', 'review_content': u'I\u2019ve had my fair share of experience with many pest control companies ranging from awful to ok. Mosquito squad was recommended to me by someone I trust so I thought I would give them a try. Joey came out and was very friendly and thorough. He was also very informative and provided me with suggestions to provide the best results. I look forward to seeing how these treatments work for us! Brittany, my scheduler, was also very friendly and helped to get me conveniently scheduled.', u'author_name': u'Loren F.', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 1, 3, 16, 41, 12), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Loren F.', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110317435316279848147/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a month ago', u'time': 1735922472, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIanN9xFcFF14xkE06yKJbxchT6aEEesLtRWKSshwFSZg_x4g=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'Regular spraying has kept the mosquitoes at bay on our patio and courtyard. We were able to entertain outside again without tons of citronella and zappers. Highly recommend this company for their knowledgeable and reliable service.', 'review_content': u'Regular spraying has kept the mosquitoes at bay on our patio and courtyard. We were able to entertain outside again without tons of citronella and zappers. Highly recommend this company for their knowledgeable and reliable service.', u'author_name': u'Bibi Bear', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2025, 1, 2, 16, 55, 35), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Bibi Bear', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110680471119212076185/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'a month ago', u'time': 1735836935, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLeUdKDoZ5s0vsnVZILEZEoJcuKlR12LQuDqUIdFEOl1EfohQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'We love mosquito squad, super professional! We get notifications they will be arriving and when service is completed. We are in the Northwoods and we love being able to sit outside by the fire with no mosquitoes buzzing and biting. It truly is amazing and the service is outstanding\u2026thank you Mosquito Squad!', 'review_content': u'We love mosquito squad, super professional! We get notifications they will be arriving and when service is completed. We are in the Northwoods and we love being able to sit outside by the fire with no mosquitoes buzzing and biting. It truly is amazing and the service is outstanding\u2026thank you Mosquito Squad!', u'author_name': u'Dottie Baker', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2024, 12, 18, 18, 19, 11), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Dottie Baker', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115813058114558377221/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'2 months ago', u'time': 1734545951, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}, {u'rating': 5, u'profile_photo_url': u'https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUtIflbtFTHXk9P8xb3ccPtXvt2ls9yXcL_Ya-o3yaDX7pai-k=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo', u'language': u'en', u'text': u'Great Experience! Good Price! So glad they have taken care of my mosquito and flea issue for my Pets!', 'review_content': u'Great Experience! Good Price! So glad they have taken care of my mosquito and flea issue for my Pets!', u'author_name': u'Lee Calvert', 'datetime': datetime.datetime(2024, 11, 28, 0, 35, 44), 'review_rating': 5, 'review_author': u'Lee Calvert', u'author_url': u'https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115541506548113171080/reviews', u'relative_time_description': u'3 months ago', u'time': 1732754144, u'translated': False, u'original_language': u'en'}]

Your Local Pest Control Specialists

Get a Free Quote