Ants

Ants Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Ants are small insects with three body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. They have six legs, bent antennae, and strong jaws for carrying food and defense. Most ants are between 1/16 and 1/2 inch long, depending on the species. Many are black or brown, but some can be red, yellow, or metallic in color.

Common Species

• Odorous House Ants: Small, dark brown to black ants. They give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed.

• Pavement Ants: Brown to black ants that nest in sidewalk and foundation cracks.

• Carpenter Ants: Large black ants that hollow out wood for their nests. They can cause structural damage over time.

• Acrobat Ants: Small, reddish-brown ants with heart-shaped abdomens. They raise their abdomen when disturbed.

Ants Behavior and Biology

Ants are social insects that live in colonies. Each colony has workers, soldiers, and one or more queens. Colonies can range from a few dozen ants to millions. Ants talk to each other using scent signals called pheromones. They leave scent trails to lead other ants to food sources. Different species nest in different places: underground, in wood, or inside walls. Carpenter ants can be very destructive. They tunnel through wood and weaken structures over time.

How We Treat for Ants

We take a two-step approach to eliminate ants and keep them from coming back:

Initial Treatment: A licensed technician inspects your home inside and out, checking hotspots like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. We apply a non-repellent insecticide in cracks and crevices. Ants then spread the material throughout their colony, killing it at the source. We also treat the outside perimeter to create a barrier around your home.

Ongoing Maintenance: We return three times per year for maintenance treatments. These visits reinforce the barrier and stop new colonies from moving in. If you notice ants between visits, we come back at no extra cost.