Ant infestations are a prevalent pest problem in the Albany, NY area, with many homeowners reaching out with the common complaint, "I have ants in the house." Discover the various types of ants that may be bugging you and how they gain entry into your home.
Understanding Ant Entry Points
Ants are opportunistic scavengers, often entering homes in search of moisture and food through cracks and crevices. Rotting or damp wood damaged by mold can also attract ants, explaining why they are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Identifying Common Ant Species
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Acrobat Ants
- Size: 1/16 to 1/8 inch
- Color: Black to light brown
- Characteristics: Heart-shaped abdomen
- Preferred Nesting Sites: Moist wood softened by decay or fungi in wall voids, baseboards, or door and window framing.
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Citronella Ants
- Size: 1/4 inch
- Color: Yellow-orange
- Characteristics: Emit citronella odor when crushed
- Preferred Nesting Sites: Cracks in concrete slabs, foundations, dirt basements, or crawl spaces.
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- Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch
- Characteristics: Do not eat wood but remove it for nests, leaving frass (sawdust)
- Preferred Nesting Sites: Areas of high moisture such as windows, door frames, railroad ties, or tree stumps.
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Pavement Ants
- Size: Approximately 1/8 inch
- Characteristics: Nests in cracks in pavement, can infest buildings
- Preferred Nesting Sites: Cracks in concrete slabs, foundations, or dirt basements.
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Pharaoh Ants
- Size: 1/16 inch
- Color: Yellow or honey-colored to orange
- Preferred Nesting Sites: Structures, walls, cabinet voids, behind baseboards, refrigerator insulation, or outdoors in debris and crevices.
Effective Ant Control
The most efficient way to eliminate ant infestations is by locating and treating the nest directly. Over-the-counter products may not fully resolve ant infestations, especially with species like black ants that use scent trails. Contact Thomas Pest Services, your local ant removal specialist, for prompt and effective ant extermination using the latest technologies. Don't let ants damage your home—schedule a free inspection today.
Don't let ants take over your home. Contact us now for expert ant removal services tailored to your needs.