Most people think that ants are basically harmless, even if they are annoying. We know they are industrious and may even have a role to play in the environment. Ants do help aerate and enrich soil, but unfortunately, they are not harmless in your home. All ants can bite, and even the non-venomous species can spread disease and dirt. 

Often, ant invasions are creepy and frustrating but do not pose a significant risk. The local ants that fall into the “nuisance” category are Acrobat, odorous, pavement, citronella, and pharaoh ants. No one wants to confront a long trail of any ant variety marching across the kitchen counter or into the pantry. Still, even though they seem harmless, they track germs and bacteria from other places into your kitchen and may contaminate your counters and food sources. 

Carpenter ants may cause more significant harm.

Aside from carrying germs, carpenter ants bite. Like red harvester ants, carpenter ant bites are venomous. For most people, the bite is painful and may leave a red mark, but some susceptible victims may have severe reactions to their bite. They can also cause widespread and long-lasting damage to your home if they decide to move in. These ants burrow into the wood structure of your house to create spaces for their nests and direct routes to food. Like termites, carpenter ants can cause costly damage.

How can I see the difference between ants?

The most significant difference is size. Carpenter ants are enormous compared to most others, measuring between ¼ and ½ inches. The others are often less than half that size. 

Citronella ants are about ⅛ of an inch. They are yellow and smell strongly of lemon when threatened or smashed. These ants have wings when they are reproductive and often swarm.

Odorous ants may be brown or black and range from 1/16 of an inch to ⅛. They have six legs and are identifiable due to the intense smell of rotten coconut when crushed. 

Pavement ants average 1/8th of an inch and may also be black or brown. The reproducing members of the swarm have wings. 

Pharaoh ants are only about 1/16th of an inch and are typically reddish-orange.

Acrobat ants have a distinguishing feature–a heart-shaped abdomen, giving them an odd appearance. 

What to look for.

You might be wondering whether you are experiencing a temporary visit from ants or they are setting up for a long-term occupation. Some telltale signs of ants planning to stay include:

• Ant mounds (hills) in the yard
• Ant sighting in the same part of the house for several days
• Ants with wings (they are reproducing)
• Sawdust, sand, or dirt near interior or exterior walls

How can I get rid of these ants?

Obviously, carpenter ants pose a more serious problem than the other species. Still, no matter what type of ant is invading your home, they are challenging to eradicate without professional help. Thomas Pest Service has a scientific method for eliminating ants in and around your home. Ask about our complete Care Plan, which includes inspection, identification, monitoring, and regularly scheduled treatments. Thomas Pest Services is unbeatable for homes and businesses in the tri-state area.