There are many types of ants that can invade your home or business. They all have similar characteristics and behavior patterns. They use chemical pheromones trails to communicate, which is why you see them marching in a straight line. The three species below are the most common kinds that invade homes in south-central Kansas.
Odorous House Ants
These are the most common invader. They are tiny and black, and love sweets, meat, and veggies. You can typically find them marching about 24-48 hours after a good rain. These are the most common type that we treat.
Acrobat Ants
They can range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch and are red with a black diamond-shaped abdomen. When disturbed, they will raise the abdomen and emit an odor. They can also bite! They are generally only outdoors, but occasionally make their way inside.
Carpenter Ants
These can vary in size from 1/4 to 3/4 inch. Their colors can vary from reddish brown to black. They will cause damage to wood and create galleries in the wood to grow their babies. Usually, you can see what looks like saw dust coming out of a hole as the most definitive sign that they are “working” on your house.
What Attracts Ants
- Carbohydrates, such as sugar
- Protein, such as meat or peanut butter
- Always looking for moisture
How To Keep Ants Out
- Clean up messes and spills
- Seal entry points
- Eliminate past pheromones trails using bleach or sanitizer
Treatment Plans
- Most are covered under our General Service plan
- Carpenter ants are an additional service
