Ants
From kitchens and boardrooms to backyards, ants have no boundaries when infiltrating our spaces. In North Carolina, seven main species regularly invade homes and businesses in search of food, water and shelter. Closely related to wasps and bees, these social insects form large colonies of members that work together to expand their nests. Their adaptability makes them a persistent problem, leading to ant trails and repeated infestations.
Why Are Ants Considered Pests?
While ants are much more of a nuisance than a danger, they can still pose risks:
- Food Contamination: As omnivores, ants forage for a wide range of food—from sweets to proteins—potentially spreading bacteria and pathogens in the process.
- Bites: While most bites only result in mild irritation, certain species like fire ants can cause more severe reactions—including swelling, hives or even anaphylaxis in rare cases. People with allergies to insect venom are at higher risk and may require medical attention after a bite.
- Damage to Property: Carpenter ants hollow out wood for nesting, leading to costly repair needs.
Professional pest control services mean peace of mind from these ant problems.
Types of Ants Invading NC Homes
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants, named for how they raise their abdomens above their heads, emit a foul odor when threatened.
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Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are difficult to control because they often nest under buildings and have large, rapidly expanding colonies.
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Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are frequently mistaken for termites because they tunnel through moist or damaged wood.
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Little Black Ants
Little black ants are difficult to eliminate due to their large colonies and multiple queens.
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Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants, which emit a rotten coconut smell when crushed, are challenging to control due to their large colonies and persistence.
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Pavement Ants
Pavement ants nest in cracks, often forming visible soil mounds, and can be difficult to eliminate due to their underground colonies.
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Fire Ants
Fire ants are the most aggressive and territorial species in North Carolina, delivering painful and potentially dangerous bites.
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Where Do Ants Live and Lay Eggs?
Ants thrive in moist environments—indoors and outdoors—that offer the shelter they need. Infestations often begin outside, with ants entering your home or business through cracks under doors and windows or foundation gaps. Ant invasions are most common in warmer months and during rainy weather when ants are more actively foraging.
- Outdoor Ant Habitats: Ants commonly nest in moist soil, under rocks or debris and inside rotting wood.
- Indoor Ant Habitats: Ants commonly nest in kitchens, walls, basements and areas behind appliances.
Keep Ants Out: Prevention Tips and Treatment Options
Professional pest control is your best solution for long-term ant prevention and treatment. Our comprehensive approach targets not only ants but also spiders, cockroaches and wasp by:
- Assessing your space to determine the infestation level and entry points.
- Developing a minimally invasive strategy to eliminate and prevent future infestations.
- Treating your space’s exterior to stop reentry.
- Regularly reinspecting and treating your space at no extra cost if pests reappear.
DIY steps—such as sealing entry points, storing food properly, keeping areas clean and addressing leaks—can also help, but over-the-counter solutions like insecticides and traps for current ants often only provide temporary prevention and relief.
Ants are highly adaptive and persistent, but you can trust Terminix Triad to keep them away from your home or business.