Black Ants
Typically black in color and larger in size. These ants can pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home. Contrary to popular belief, black ants do not actually “eat” the wood from your home; rather, they excavate a hole to nest in. Black ants located in the eastern portion of the United States swarm during the months of May to August.
How do you know if you have an infestation? If you are noticing shavings that look like sawdust located near holes, then you may have a black ant infestation. A good start to identifying if you have an infestation is to remember if there had been a moisture problem or soft rotted wood located where you are finding the sawdust-like shavings or the ants themselves.
Odorous House Ant
Odorous house ants tend to be very small, measuring 2.4 to 3.3 mm in length, and are typically brown in color. They are known to have an odor when crushed.
How do you know if you have an infestation? Odorous house ants nest in wall or floor voids when inside your home. They often enter your home in search of food, especially sweets/sugar. You will notice them in your kitchen within the cupboards or pantry, often where they find their source of fuel.
The most obvious sign that you have an odorous ant infestation is that you are noticing an increase in ants around your home. Especially in places that contain sweets and other sugary foods, such as the kitchen.
Pavement Ant
Pavement ants are typically light brown to black in color. They are 2.5 to 3 mm long in size. Typically can be found underneath sidewalks, patios and driveways. They live near homes so they can enter when looking for food such as sweets, proteins, and other dead insects.
How do you know if you have an infestation? Pavement ants enter through cracks in your home to find food sources, but will often return and become a problem due to leftover food crumbs, trash, and open food containers. They also like to feed on leftover pet food inside or outside the home.