There are many kinds of ants in our area. The methods used for control of ants depends on the kind of ant. Ants are pests when they enter a structure looking for food. Many ants emerge as swarms of flying ants in the spring, and sometimes swarm again later in the summer. The flying ants are mature males and females that mate, shed their wings, and then the females crawl off to start new colonies. They can indicate that there is an existing colony nearby.

Flying ants (often in the thousands). Swarms of flying carpenter ants can look very similar to swarming termites, which also have wings.

Treatment of ants depends on the kind of ant. Some ants can be treated in a single visit. Some require treatment over several weeks. Carpenter ants are by far the most damaging ant in our area. Pavement ants very common. Pharaoh ants need special treatment because they tend to disperse when disturbed. Odorous house ants are one of many ants that come inside looking for food and can nest inside a structure. Field ants are large black ants that are sometimes mistaken for carpenter ants. Cornfield ants are large ants that whose swarms can be mistaken for termite swarms.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are usually large and black, but vary in size within a specific colony. Some species are black and tan. They frequently nest inside houses and can do serious damage to wooden buildings. A carpenter ant infestation can be difficult to control and treatment is best done by pest control professionals working with the client. Eliminating an infestation can require several treatments.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are the common ants that form sandy mounds, often between the cracks of sidewalks or along the edge of paved and non-paved surfaces. They are fond of sweets and grease and are often found in a structure searching for food.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are very small yellowish ants, almost translucent, that can be a major nuisance inside a house. When they occur, there is often more than one nest, each with many egg-laying queens. They are difficult to control and should not be attempted by a home owner. Professional pest managers should be called. Poisoned baits are the only method of properly controlling this type of ant. Sprays will actually cause the colonies to split and spread making the problem worse.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are brown or black. When squashed, they give off a distinct odor. The nests are found both indoors and outside and are sometimes very difficult to control. When they do take poisoned bait, it will still take time for the colony to disappear.

Field Ants

Field ants is a common name for several types of large ants that can be black, brown, yellowish, or with a red head and thorax, and a black abdomen. They often nest in tree stumps and in large mounds in fields. Sometimes they will invade and nest in buildings. They do not do any damage but they can be annoying and can bite. This ant is a beneficial predator so should be controlled only when they are becoming a nuisance.

Cornfield Ants

They are often called moisture ants and they are not normally seen indoors except when the large winged honey colored females or the smaller dark males swarm in late summer. They live only in damp or rotting wood, the presence of these ants is an indication of a moisture or wood-rot problem. Effective control requires eliminating the cause of the moisture problem and replacing the damaged wood. Spraying the winged ants with a household pesticide may provide temporary relief during the swarming season but it will not kill the colony.

Other Ants

There are numerous species of ants that invade human structures. Their size and color varies. These include yellow citronella ants, the acrobat ant that holds its abdomen up when frightened, little black ants that are smaller than average, and the thief ant that robs other ant nests. Removing food sources and sealing entry points will generally stop these pests from invading your home.

Summary | Carpenter Ants | Pavement Ants | Pharaoh Ants | Odorous House Ants | Field Ants
 Cornfield Ants | Other Ants | Top of Page | Pest Guide