You might be surprised to learn that there are several different types of ants that can invade your home. While many people think of ants as a single species, various types of ants can become household pests. Each species has unique behaviors and food preferences, which makes it important to know which kind you’re dealing with to get rid of them effectively.
In this post, we’ll discuss the most common types of ants that you might find in your house and provide tips on how to eliminate them. Let’s dive in!
Carpenter Ants
One of the most common types of ants you might find in your house is the carpenter ant. These ants are typically large, measuring up to half an inch in length, and are often black or dark brown. Carpenter ants are known for their ability to burrow into wood to create their nests, which can cause structural damage to homes if left unchecked.
Signs of Carpenter Ants:
Small piles of sawdust (called frass) near wooden areas.Rustling noises inside walls, particularly at night.
How to get rid of them: If you suspect you have carpenter ants, it’s important to remove their nest as soon as possible. Use baits or insecticidal dust to treat the nest, and consider consulting a professional if the infestation is severe.
Sugar Ants
Sugar ants is a common name used for a variety of small ants that are attracted to sugary substances. These ants are tiny, measuring around 1/8th of an inch, and are often yellow, light brown, or black. They are frequently found in kitchens and pantries, drawn to sugary food and spills.
How to identify them: You may notice them in areas where food is stored, particularly around countertops, sinks, or food containers.
How to get rid of them: The key to eliminating sugar ants is to remove their food source. Clean up spills and crumbs, store food in sealed containers, and wipe down surfaces regularly. Ant baits can also help attract and kill sugar ants.
Odorous House Ants
The odorous house ant is another species commonly found inside homes. These ants are small (about 1/8th of an inch) and dark brown or black. They get their name from the rotten, coconut-like smell they emit when crushed.
Signs of odorous house ants: Trails of ants near food sources or along walls and cabinets.
How to get rid of them: Odorous house ants are often drawn to sweet foods, so it’s essential to maintain cleanliness in your home. You can also use bait traps to lure them away and eliminate the entire colony.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are another common ant species that may invade homes. They are dark brown or black and typically live in cracks in sidewalks or driveways, but they can easily make their way inside, especially during the warmer months. They are attracted to a wide range of foods, including sugary and greasy substances.
How to spot them: Pavement ants are often seen near baseboards, in kitchen areas, and sometimes in bathrooms.
How to get rid of them: To eliminate pavement ants, use bait stations or insecticide sprays in areas where they enter your home, such as along baseboards or window sills.
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are smaller, light brown to black ants that get their name from their ability to raise their abdomen above their heads when threatened. They are often found nesting in moisture-damaged wood and can be mistaken for carpenter ants.
Signs of acrobat ants: Trails of ants leading to food sources, often near damp areas such as under sinks or in basements.
How to get rid of them: Since acrobat ants often nest in wood, repairing water damage and sealing cracks is crucial. Use ant baits or insecticidal sprays to remove them.
If you’re dealing with ants, here are some effective ways to get rid of them
Spray ants with commercial ant killers to eliminate them on contact and discourage others from entering your home. Be sure to use products specifically designed for the type of ant you’re dealing with. Follow the instructions carefully, especially if you have pets or children.
Wipe down surfaces where ants have been seen with a vinegar solution (mix equal parts water and vinegar). This will remove the ant scent trail and deter future ants from following it into your home.
Place ant bait stations around your home, particularly in areas where you’ve noticed ant activity. These baits are designed to attract ants, which then take the poison back to their nest, ultimately killing the colony. Make sure to use bait specific to the type of ant you’re dealing with, as different species prefer different food sources.
Ants often enter homes through small cracks and gaps around doors, windows, or foundations. Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This will reduce the likelihood of more ants finding their way inside.
Ants are primarily drawn to food, so keeping your kitchen clean is one of the best ways to prevent an infestation. Clean up food spills, wipe down countertops, and store food in airtight containers. Also, be sure to take out the trash regularly and keep garbage bins sealed.
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and the ants keep coming back, it may be time to call in a professional. Pest control experts can assess the situation and provide targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation for good.
