The 3 Most Common Ant Species

Though there are thousands of ant species in the United States, some are more common than others. Knowing which ants are most likely to invade your space can help you prepare and even prevent their arrival. Check out the three most common ant species likely to invade your home and yard.

1. Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants know how to make a scene. These ants release an unpleasant smell when crushed that has been compared to rotten coconuts. Odorous house ants are dark brown or black and range in size from 1/16ʺ-1/8ʺ.

Where Do Odorous House Ants Nest?

Odorous house ant nests can be found indoors or outside. They nest in exposed soil located under yard debris including logs. When it rains, they often leave their nest in search of a new spot. Inside, they look for areas with moisture. They can be found near leaky pipes, hot water pipes, and in wall voids.

What Do Odorous House Ants Eat?

Sweets and meat are on the menu for this ant. They won’t turn down your leftovers if they can get their hands on it. 

How to Get Rid of Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ant colonies can contain multiple queens, which can lead to large infestations. Minimizing attractants, like food and moisture build-up, can help to keep these pests away. Our plant-based Ant & Roach Killer aerosol spray kills and repels odorous house ants. If you’re dealing with a colony, you’ll want to use a bait like our No Spill Ant Kill or Ant Killer Bait. Baits are effective at targeting the colony, which is the source of the infestation.

2. Carpenter Ants

These ants know how to construct a nest. Carpenter ants are a larger ant species. They are about 5/8ʺ. Most carpenter ants are black but some can have a red hue. Their large mandibles make it easier for them to tunnel through wood.

Where Do Carpenter Ants Nest?

These ants build their nest in wood. You can often find them in decaying or wet wood both indoors and outside. When tunneling through wood, they leave behind small holes and wood shavings. This can help you locate the nest.

What Do Carpenter Ants Eat?

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, they just remove it. They feed on insects, meat, grease, and sweet treats.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants can cause damage to structures, which is why you don’t want to let these pests move into your home. Our Home Bug Spray kills ants, including carpenter ants, on contact. It can also provide residual repellency. You can treat the nest with our plant-based Spider & Insect Dust. Carefully puff dust into the entrance of the nest. 

3. Pavement Ants

While pavement ants are more likely to settle down in your yard, they aren’t afraid to visit your home. These ants are dark brown or black and have a shiny body. They are about 1/8ʺ in length.

Where Do Pavement Ants Nest?

Pavement ants get their name from their preferred nesting site. These ants build nests between cracks in pavement and under stones. They often leave behind piles of dirt. If they make their way into your home, they will nest in walls, under floors, and in insulation.

What Do Pavement Ants Eat?

Pavement ants aren’t picky with their food. They’ll eat sweets, greasy food, and dead insects. 

How to Get Rid of Pavement Ants

Like odorous house ants, pavement ants can be controlled with bait. Place bait stations or bait placements near trailing ants or their nests. You can also spray the perimeter of your home and yard with our plant-based Yard Bug Spray. It kills pests on contact and provides residual repellency. This acts as a barrier helping to keep ants out. Don’t spray insecticides near bait. This can discourage ants from consuming the bait.

Though these ants like to sneak into homes, you don’t have to let them move in. If ants are bugging you, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.