There aren’t many revelations more frustrating than walking into a room in your home, only to discover a long trail of busy ants snooping for food. Quite common just about everywhere in the world, the ant is one of the most frequently observed pests within inhabited areas. What you may not realize is that there are many different types of ants—over 12,000 unique species, in fact.
If you live in the United States, you’re likely to be familiar with several types of ants, including two of the most common: pavement and Pharaoh ants. What are the characteristics of each, and more importantly, how does one respond to in-home infestations?
Perhaps the most common enemy you’ll encounter, the pavement ant is common throughout most parts of the U.S. They’re medium in size, with light brown to black bodies about 1/8-inch in length. Usually, their antennae and legs are a slightly lighter color. Parallel grooves mark the head and thorax of the pavement ant, a species which is also noted for relatively slow movement.
As suggested by their name, these insects frequently nest beneath the pavement of foundations, sidewalks, and driveways. They might also make homes within the walls and floors of your home and are attracted to heat sources when cold weather sets in. A few tips for prevention and removal:
- Seal off cracks and repair any leaks in your home to keep pavement ants from gaining access.
- Avoid over-watering plants and make sure food remnants aren’t left out to attract ants.
- Utilize Combat® Ant Baits & Gels to control an existing ant problem in your home.
Like their pavement-loving counterparts, Pharaoh ants can be found nearly anywhere in the United States. They’re about half the size of a pavement ant with an approximate length of 1/16-inch, and they’re usually colored red, yellow, or light brown. The very tip of a Pharaoh ant’s abdomen is darker than the remainder of their body.
Another similarity between the two species is that Pharaoh ants tend to nest near heat sources, especially in cold climates. This type of ant nests in numerous inaccessible locations, making control very difficult.
Combat® offers a full line of solutions to get rid of invading ants and keep them gone. Personalize your Plan of Attack today and take back your home from pests.
