Common Ants You May Run Into Around Your Home This Summer

With summer in full swing, you might notice an uptick in ant activity around your home. These tiny invaders are on the lookout for food, water, and shelter. Here’s a guide to the most common ants you may encounter during warmer weather and tips on how to keep them at bay.

1. Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

Characteristics:

• Size: Small, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.

• Color: Dark brown to black.

• Behavior: Known for their strong, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed.

Habits:

Odorous house ants are attracted to sweet foods and can often be found in kitchens. They are also known to invade homes during rainy weather as they seek dry shelter.

Control Tips:

• Keep food sealed and stored properly.

• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.

• Use ant baits to reduce populations.

2. Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)

Characteristics:

• Size: Small, about 1/16 to 1/4 inch long.

• Color: Light to dark brown.

• Behavior: Form large colonies that can quickly take over an area.

Habits:

Argentine ants are highly persistent and can travel long distances in search of food. They prefer sweets but will consume almost anything, including meat and fats.

Control Tips:

• Seal cracks and entry points around your home.

• Keep outdoor plants and mulch away from the foundation.

• Use bait stations to target and eliminate colonies.

3. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

Characteristics:

• Size: Larger, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.

• Color: Varies from black to red or a combination of both.

• Behavior: Known for nesting in wood, which can cause structural damage.

Habits:

Carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to create nests. They are often found in damp or decaying wood around the home.

Control Tips:

• Remove decaying wood and fix moisture issues in your home.

• Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house.

• Use insecticidal dust or sprays in infested areas.

4. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)

Characteristics:

• Size: Small, about 1/8 inch long.

• Color: Dark brown to black.

• Behavior: Often seen in large numbers on sidewalks and driveways.

Habits:

Pavement ants nest in cracks and crevices in concrete, frequently invading homes in search of food. They are omnivorous and will eat anything from sugary substances to greasy foods.

Control Tips:

• Seal cracks in pavement and foundation.

• Maintain a clean kitchen and properly store food.

• Use baiting systems to control infestations.

5. Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)

Characteristics:

• Size: Very small, about 1/16 inch long.

• Color: Light yellow to reddish-brown.

• Behavior: Known for being difficult to control due to their tendency to scatter when disturbed.

Habits:

Pharaoh ants prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are notorious for infesting hospitals and other buildings.

Control Tips:

• Avoid spraying as it can cause colonies to scatter.

• Use bait stations to target the entire colony.

• Keep areas clean and free of food debris.

Ants can be a nuisance, especially during the summer months. By identifying the type of ants you’re dealing with and implementing appropriate control measures, you can keep your home ant-free and enjoy a pest-free summer. If you’re struggling with a persistent infestation, consider reaching out to a professional pest control service for help.

Stay vigilant and enjoy your summer!