Other Ant Species

The key to dealing with an ant infestation is knowing which ant you're dealing with, its habits, and its preferred habitat. Our pest management technicians receive extensive training on ant identification, so we can accurately identify your ants. While treatment is often required in nesting areas or on travel paths, the homeowner can correct or prevent conditions, which may be attractive to ants. Environmental modifications include the ones listed above for carpenter ants as well as ensuring proper ventilation in attics and crawlspaces, and storing food in glass or plastic containers.

Field/Thatching Ants (a variety of species)

Field/Thatching Ants range in size from 3 to 9 mm and can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, tan, and reddish. They are soil nesters often constructing mounds, or anthills, constructed of evergreen needles and twigs. However, they also nest under rocks, patio blocks, landscaping timbers, inside wall voids and in rotting wood.

Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)

Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black, and 2.5 to 3 mm in length. Nesting sites include beside and under sidewalks, patio blocks, building foundations, driveways, and in landscaping beds. Mounds of displaced soil are often observed in areas of their nests. Once inside a building, they can travel along pipes and electrical wires as well as under the edges of carpets.

Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

The Odorous House Ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny insects range in size from 2.5 to 3.3 mm in length. These ants often live for several years and will make their homes in exposed soil, under rocks and foundations and in wall voids.

Cornfield Ants (Lasius spp.)

Commonly called "moisture ants", Cornfield Ants often nest inside structures in areas associated with water damage or rotting wood. They will also nest in mounds in yards, beneath rocks, patio blocks or concrete slabs. As with pavement ants, piles of displaced soil may be found near their nesting location. Their color varies from dark brown to reddish black with the workers reaching 2.5 mm in length. Cornfield ants are frequently confused with carpenter ants because they both nest in rotted wood and the winged females (reproductive females) of both species are quite large. These ants can cause structural damage when a nest is established within a home.

Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)

Pharaoh ants are very small (1 to 2 mm), yellow to brownish red in color and can be found almost anywhere within a structure. They tend to prefer warm, moist areas including dishwashers, coffee makers, water heaters, and bathtubs. Inside a structure, they will use electrical wires and pipes to travel throughout the building. These ants can be very difficult to eliminate from a structure. The only effective way to treat a pharaoh ant infestation is with a baiting program. An essential part of a successful program is sanitation. It is important to limit or remove potential food sources by storing food in well-sealed containers and removing garbage daily. Even with good sanitation, elimination of these ants may take several months. It is extremely important to not treat with insecticide sprays; if used, the colonies will bud and the infestation will spread and be harder to eliminate.