Ants may be small, but they are mighty, and sometimes a bit too close for comfort. As a homeowner, understanding the types of ants that can invade your home and the damage they can cause is essential in protecting your property and ensuring a clean, healthy living environment. In this primer on ants, we’ll provide an overview of the various types of ants you’re likely to encounter, how they can impact your home, and what you can do to prevent or manage their presence.
Carpenter Ants: The Wood Destroyers
Carpenter ants, as their name suggests, are known for their wood-damaging abilities. They don’t eat wood, but they do excavate it to create nesting galleries. Over time, this can result in significant structural damage if left unchecked. To identify carpenter ants, look for large, reddish-brown or black ants. They typically appear in the spring and summer and can often be found foraging for food both inside and outside of your home.
Odorous House Ants: The Stinky Pests
Odorous house ants, often referred to as “sugar ants,” are small, brown or black ants known for their distinctive, unpleasant odor when crushed (similar to a rotten coconut smell). These ants are attracted to sweet, sugary substances and can quickly become a nuisance if they find their way into your kitchen or pantry. While they don’t cause structural damage like carpenter ants, their relentless foraging can contaminate food and make it difficult to maintain a clean home.
Fire Ants: The Painful Intruders
Fire ants are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, making them particularly unwelcome guests in your home. They are typically reddish-brown and create large, sandy mounds outdoors. While they prefer to nest outdoors, they can enter your home seeking food, which makes it essential to keep food items well-sealed and countertops clean. In addition to their painful stings, fire ants can also cause damage to electrical equipment, such as air conditioning units, by nesting inside and chewing through wiring.
Pavement Ants: The Sidewalk Squatters
These small, dark brown or black ants derive their name from their penchant for nesting in cracks in driveways, pavement, and sidewalks. Pavement ants may enter your home through foundation cracks in search of food, typically sweets or greasy substances. While they don’t cause structural damage, their presence can be a persistent annoyance as they forage for food indoors. Be on the lookout for small trails of ants and seal any cracks or gaps where they might be entering your home.
Acrobat Ants: The Balancing Act
Acrobat ants are so named because they raise their abdomens above their heads when disturbed, resembling a tiny acrobat balancing on a high wire. These ants are small and range in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown. They are known for nesting in well-protected areas, such as inside walls or foam insulation. Acrobat ants can cause damage to structures by chewing through insulation, wiring, and even wood. Additionally, when they nest indoors, they can leave behind an unpleasant, musty odor.
Every homeowner should be aware of these common household ant invaders and the damage they can cause. Understanding the behavior, appearance, and signs of each ant species can help you properly identify and address any infestations. Taking preventative measures, such as sealing cracks, eliminating food sources, and maintaining a clean home, can help reduce the likelihood of an uninvited ant colony moving in. If you do find yourself battling an ant infestation, call us to accurately identify and remove the pests, ensuring your home remains a safe and ant-free space.
