Ants

What are ants?

Ants are small social insects, usually dark brown, black, or reddish-brown. A single colony may house 1,000 or more ants working together to care for and protect one another. Colonies typically consist of female workers, reproductive males, and one or several queens.

There are over 12,000 species of ants, but the ones that most often invade homes share similar habits and behaviors.

In their natural environment, ants play a beneficial role by breaking down decaying matter and organic debris. But inside your home, they quickly become a nuisance. Some of the most common household invaders include sugar ants, pharaoh ants, raspberry crazy ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants.

Contact us for professional ant extermination.

Are Ants Harmless or Hazardous?

While many ant species are more of an annoyance than a threat, certain types pose real risks to homes and families.

• Pharaoh ants can spread dangerous bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, and Salmonella, contaminating food, water, and household surfaces.
• Carpenter ants may cause extensive structural damage by tunneling through wood to create nesting galleries. Although they don’t consume wood like termites, their presence can weaken beams and other wooden structures.

Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting your home and health.

Why Are Ants in Your Home?

Ants typically enter residential properties in search of food. Species like odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, raspberry crazy ants, and carpenter ants are all drawn to kitchens and pantries. Carpenter ants may also invade for shelter, especially in damp or damaged wood.

If food is left accessible, ants will establish colonies nearby, making infestations difficult to control without professional help.

Where Do Ants Hide Indoors?

If you spot a few ants inside, there are likely many more nearby. Colonies can be found in a variety of places around the home:

• Carpenter ants may nest inside wooden beams, floorboards, or damp wood.
• Some species build colonies in soil under foundations or landscaping.
• Others hide beneath porches, sheds, or in warm, moisture-rich environments inside the home.

Identifying these hideouts is key to eliminating infestations effectively.

How to Get Rid of Ants the Right Way

Killing visible ants won’t solve the problem—the colony must be eliminated. At It’s Bugs Or Us, our residential pest control program provides long-term protection against ant invasions. Our expert technicians use advanced treatment methods and proven products to safeguard your home year-round.

Preventing Future Ant Infestations at Home

While no method can completely guarantee an ant-free home, homeowners can reduce the chances of infestations with these steps:

• Trim bushes and tree branches so they don’t touch your home.
• Remove standing water to reduce moisture sources.
• Seal cracks, install door sweeps, and close gaps where ants could enter.
• Maintain cleanliness with regular sweeping, mopping, and countertop cleaning.
• Keep food in sealed containers or refrigerate perishables.

At It’s Bugs Or Us, we specialize in residential ant extermination and provide tailored solutions to protect your home. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and keep ants where they belong—outside.