With the springtime warm-up going on in the greater Pittsburgh area, it’s a time when we’ll start seeing ants in our yards and worrying about the stinging threat they pose. There are 4 common types of ants that pest control companies typically see in the Pittsburgh area during spring and summer.
The common ants in Pittsburgh include:
Acrobat ants – being much smaller in size (usually up to 4mm in length), acrobat ants are either black or light brown in color. They will release a potent smell if threatened and typically nest in decaying trees and woodpiles but under rocks as well. Make no mistake about it, despite their size, acrobat ants can be very destructive and can strip the insulation off electrical wires. They are hard to prevent and even harder to find. Trim back shrubs and trees, put trash in cans with tight-fitting lids, and put door sweeps on outside doors.
Carpenter ants – the workers are roughly 1/4″ in length but the queens can be 3 times that big. Although carpenter ants are somewhat threatening, they are not dangerous to people in general. When building their nests, they attack the structural wood of a home and are especially attracted to rotted and wet wood. Keep downspouts and rain gutters clear to avoid water retention around the foundation and fix any pipes that are leaking.
Odorous house ants – as the name implies, these unwanted springtime house pests emit a terrible smell when they are stepped on and smashed. These are brownish-black in color and have 1/8” long antennae. They can get into food, but for the most part, are more of a nuisance than a threat to you and your family. It’s their smell that is reason enough to want them out of your home. Using tightly sealed storage containers will help but be sure to seal up any cracks or crevices you find in the foundation of your home. These are more commonly referred to as sugar ants.
Pavement ants – this species of ant is roughly 1/8” in length and is dark brown or black. They are not finicky eaters and will consume anything from bread to cheese, meats to nuts, and other ant species. They hide and nest outside of structures in cracks, which makes them difficult to find. Pavement ants will enter a home at ground level and infest its masonry walls. Keep driveways, foundations, and sidewalks patched; remove all standing water, and repair leaking pipes to avoid infestations.
When to Call an Ant Exterminator
If you have experienced any of these ants at your business or home, it is essential that you call in professional ant control experts to ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated. You may also need help with the difference between ants and termites, and we can help with that too! They will not only close the cracks and crevices but give input on ways to eliminate a re-infestation.