The 3 Most Common Types of Ants in Pennsylvania

As a homeowner in Pennsylvania, encountering ants inside and around your home can be an irritating and concerning experience. While ants are common pests across the United States, certain species are particularly prevalent in Pennsylvania. Understanding the three most common types of ants in the region—Pavement Ants, Carpenter Ants, and Odorous House Ants—can help you identify them and take the necessary steps to prevent and manage an infestation.

1. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum)

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Identification

Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants that typically range from 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch in length. They are often found nesting in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and near the foundations of homes. These ants have a segmented body with parallel grooves on their heads and thoraxes, giving them a distinct, ridged appearance.

Behavior and Habitat

Pavement ants are notorious for establishing their nests in cracks and crevices found in pavement, but they are also known to build nests under rocks or in soil near your home's foundation. They tend to invade homes during the warmer months, seeking food sources in kitchens, pantries, and even pet food areas. These ants are opportunistic feeders and will consume almost anything, including sweets, proteins, and fats, including:

Though pavement ants are not harmful to your home or health, their colonies can grow rapidly. If you notice large numbers of these ants inside, it’s a good idea to take action before an infestation becomes overwhelming.

Control and Prevention

• Seal entry points: Check for cracks or gaps in the foundation, windows, and doors. Seal these gaps with caulk to prevent ants from entering your home.
• Remove food sources: Keep food sealed and cleaned up. Sweep floors, wipe down countertops, and store food in airtight containers.
• Outdoor treatment: Apply ant bait around the perimeter of your home to prevent pavement ants from creating nests near your foundation.

2. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

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Identification

Carpenter ants are larger than pavement ants, with adult workers ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. They are typically black, but some species can be reddish or a combination of black and red. Carpenter ants are known for their smooth, shiny appearance and large, curved thorax.

Behavior and Habitat

Unlike most ants, carpenter ants do not eat wood but tunnel through it to create nests. They prefer damp, decaying wood, which is often found in areas like basements, attics, or behind walls with water damage. If carpenter ants are seen inside your home, it may be a sign of a larger infestation in the structure.

Carpenter ants are most active at night and are attracted to sugary foods, but they also forage for protein sources like dead insects. Their nests can cause significant structural damage over time, so it's important to address an infestation as soon as possible.

Control and Prevention

• Inspect for nests: Look for signs of carpenter ant activity, such as piles of fine sawdust (called frass) near wooden surfaces, or the ants themselves trailing along walls and beams.
• Fix water issues: Repair leaks and reduce moisture in and around your home, especially in areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Damp wood is the perfect environment for carpenter ants.
• Professional treatment: Carpenter ants can be difficult to eliminate on your own due to their nesting habits within walls and other hidden areas. Contact a pest control professional for targeted treatments and thorough inspection.

3. Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

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Identification

Odorous house ants are small, measuring about 1/8 inch in length, and are typically brown to black in color. Their name comes from the strong, unpleasant odor they emit when crushed, which is often described as a rotten coconut smell. These ants have a smooth body with no spines on their thorax, distinguishing them from other ants.

Behavior and Habitat

Odorous house ants are incredibly common in Pennsylvania, often infesting homes in search of food and water. They are attracted to sugary substances but will also feed on proteins and grease. They can form large colonies that include several hundred to several thousand ants. These ants prefer to nest in the soil around the foundation but can also invade homes through cracks in windows and doors.

Odorous house ants are most active during the summer months, but they can be a year-round problem in areas with mild winters, such as in some parts of Pennsylvania. They may also form satellite colonies, making it harder to locate and eliminate the source of the infestation.

Control and Prevention

• Identify and eliminate food sources: Keep kitchen areas free from crumbs, spills, and unsealed food. Regularly clean countertops and floors to prevent attracting these ants.
• Seal entry points: Odorous house ants can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps in windows and doors. Use caulk to seal any openings around windows, doors, and pipes.
• Use ant baits: Set up ant bait stations to attract the ants and bring them back to the colony, effectively eliminating the source.

Keeping Your Pennsylvania Home Ant-Free

While encountering ants in your home can be frustrating, the key to effective pest management is understanding the species you're dealing with. Whether it's the pavement ant, carpenter ant, or odorous house ant, taking the right steps for prevention and treatment is essential for protecting your home.

Here are some additional tips for managing ants in Pennsylvania:

• Regular inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of ants, especially in areas like basements, attics, and kitchens.
• Maintain landscaping: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the house, as these can serve as bridges for ants to access your home.
• Work with professionals: If you're dealing with a persistent ant problem, consider consulting a local ant control expert like D-Bug Pest Control. They can assess your property, identify the species, and provide tailored treatments to eliminate ants from your home.

By understanding the types of ants that commonly infest homes in Pennsylvania and following these tips, you can help protect your home from these troublesome pests. Don't let ants take over—take action today to ensure your home remains ant-free year-round!