Ant Facts & Identification
Protect Your Home or Business from Ants
Common Ants in East Tennessee
Carpenter Ant
*bites
Carpenter ants are large black or reddish-black ants, ranging from ¼ to ½ inch in length. They don’t eat wood but tunnel through it to build nests, often found in damp, decaying wood around homes, trees, and stumps. Common signs of an infestation include sawdust-like debris (frass), rustling sounds inside walls, and winged swarmers in the spring. They are most active at night and can weaken wooden structures if left unchecked.
Fire Ant
*bites
Fire ants are small, reddish-brown ants, typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They build large, dome-shaped mounds in sunny, open areas like lawns, fields, and roadsides. Disturbing their nests causes them to swarm and sting repeatedly, injecting venom that causes burning pain and itchy blisters. Fire ants can damage plants, invade homes, and pose risks to pets and people.
Odorous House Ants
*doesn’t bite
Odorous house ants are small, dark brown ants, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. They get their name from the strong, rotten coconut-like odor they release when crushed. These ants are commonly found indoors, foraging for sugary and greasy foods in kitchens and pantries. Outdoors, they nest under rocks, logs, and mulch but will enter homes during heavy rain or drought. While they don’t bite or cause structural damage, their persistent presence can be a nuisance.
How Do I Get Rid Of Ants in my home or Business?
Ant Treatment
If you’ve already spotted ants in your home or business, acting quickly is key to preventing an infestation from growing. Start by using ant baits, which are effective for many species, like odorous house ants, as they attract the ants, who carry the bait back to their nest, killing the colony. You can also use natural remedies, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or cinnamon, which act as deterrents and can disrupt the ants’ scent trails. For more targeted treatments, you may want to use ant sprays or powders around entry points, cracks, and along ant trails.
For persistent or large-scale infestations, especially with carpenter or fire ants, professional pest control services are highly recommended. Pest control experts have the tools, knowledge, and experience to identify the specific type of ant and deploy more effective treatments, including targeted extermination and ongoing preventative measures. Professional pest control also helps ensure that all nests are located and treated, which is crucial for completely eliminating the problem.
How Can I Prevent Ants In The Future?
Ant Prevention
Preventing an ant infestation starts with addressing the things that attract them to your home or business in the first place. Ants are primarily searching for food, water, and shelter, so maintaining a clean environment is key. Store food in airtight containers, promptly clean up spills and crumbs, and make sure trash is securely sealed. Regularly wipe down countertops and floors, especially in the kitchen, and avoid leaving pet food out. Ants are also drawn to moisture, so fix any leaks and address areas of high humidity that could invite ants to nest.
Sealing cracks and gaps in your building’s foundation, windows, and doors will help limit access points for ants. Repairing damaged or rotting wood around your home or business is essential, especially for species like carpenter ants, which will tunnel through it to create nests. Outside, make sure to clear away leaves, branches, and other debris that could provide shelter for ants, and keep mulch or soil away from your foundation. By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of ants invading your space, but for larger or persistent infestations, professional pest control is often the most effective solution.