Carpenter Ants
While there are as many as 50 species of carpenter ants in the US, the most commonly encountered species in homes is the black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus). Like many pests, they are a nuisance by their presence, especially when found indoors wandering in kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries. They are also capable of contaminating and stealing food.
It is important to solve carpenter ant problems before they become costly and difficult to manage, especially before their wood boring damages your home.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants, Tetramorium caespitum (L.), are among the most common ant species in our area. The common name “pavement ants” is actually derived from the ant’s unique nesting habits in pavement seams.
During summer, these ants will occupy a wide range of pavements and become a nuisance, especially when they find their way into a structure. Although pavement ants do not create any health-related risks, they may forage in unsanitary areas and leave debris or contaminated food items behind. Therefore, management of these ants is critical, particularly early in the spring before they produce a large number of ants and become a problem.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) can infest homes, office buildings, apartments, commercial bakeries, factories, hospitals, and wherever food is handled or stored.
The main challenge of dealing with pharaoh ants is that they can spread quickly throughout the building. If disturbed, part of the pharaoh ant colony migrates to new locations to establish several new colonies. This behavior is called budding. Budding occurs due to a number of reasons such as overcrowding, seasonal changes in the building's central heating and cooling system, or applications of repellent pesticides or cleaning agents.