Did you know that over 700 species of ants can be found in the United States? No wonder why it can be so difficult to determine the type of ant you have crawling around your home! Identification is important because some ants can cause problems while others are more of a nuisance. For instance, we have many customers call because they find large black ants in the home and are concerned they are carpenter ants. But, they may be just large black ants! Though there are hundreds of ant species in the U.S., we are going to focus on four of the most common that affect New Jersey households.
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are small to medium in size, measuring roughly one-eighth of an inch. They can be light brown to black, though some appear multicolored. Acrobat ants feature antennae and segmented bodies, as other ants do. What makes them different is their ability to lift their abdomens over their thoraxes. Typically, the ants only do this when they feel threatened. Acrobat ants are most commonly found hiding under logs or rocks, but they will enter a home and hide out in weak spots. These pests will bite if provoked and can strip insulation from electrical and telephone wires. If you have them in your home, a pest control service can help.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small, about one-eighth of an inch long. They are dark brown or black and can be found just about anywhere. Because pavement ants love to eat, they will climb mountains to get food. Some of their favorites include sugars, nectars, and syrups, though they will come for grease, dead insects, and seeds as well. Pavement ants are also found outdoors under rocks, slabs, and flooring. Pest control measures and future prevention help keep these pests out of the home.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants have a distinct look. They can be a pale yellow or reddish color, and the abdomen is often darker. The average pharaoh ant is around one-sixteenth of an inch. They love to consume sweet and fatty foods, which is why they’re commonly found in grocery stores, hotels, and medical facilities. Pharaoh ants are more than a nuisance. They have been known to transmit various diseases, including salmonella. They can also enter IV bags or wounds, which is a concern for patients in hospitals. Colonies do tend to stay outdoors because of the humidity and shade, but any indoor activity should be dealt with immediately.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants. They are black or red and are known for destroying wood. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants chew through wood and spit it out to build nests. These ants are commonly found outdoors in trees or wooded areas, but they will enter a home. They seek out decaying wood, causing serious damage to wooden structures such as sheds, decks, and homes. Treatment is necessary to resolve the infestation.
If you have been seeing one too many ants in your home, call Heritage Pest Control. Our trained exterminators will identify the pest and come up with a solution for taking your home back!