Ants are some of the most common household pests in Pennsylvania, so much so that most homeowners don’t even bat an eye when they see an ant in their home.
While seeing the occasional ant or two around the house is not usually cause for concern, it is important to know how to identify the different types of ants and know when to take action.
How to Identify Different Ant Species
Identifying different ant species in and around your Pennsylvania home can be challenging, especially since many ants may look similar at first glance. However, understanding the subtle differences in size, shape, and color can help you distinguish between the various species.
For instance, while most people are familiar with the common small black ants, other species can range in size from just a few millimeters to nearly half an inch. Additionally, some ants have distinct body shapes, with different proportions between their head, thorax, and abdomen, making them easier to identify when you take a closer look.
Color is another crucial factor in identifying ant species. While many ants are black, you may also encounter ants that are reddish-brown, yellow, or even bi-colored. For example, carpenter ants are larger and often have a combination of black and reddish hues, which sets them apart from the smaller, uniformly black pavement ants.
By paying attention to these characteristics—size, shape, and color—you can more accurately identify the different ant species that may be present in your home and take appropriate measures to manage them.
Common Ants in PA
The following are some of the most common ants in Pennsylvania that you are bound to encounter in your home or at your business.
Odorous Ants
- Identification: Small, dark brown or black ants that release a foul odor when crushed; usually found near moisture sources like leaky pipes, water heaters, or under sinks.
- Danger Level: Low; considered a nuisance due to odor and food contamination.
- Common Locations: Indoors during rainy weather, around areas with high moisture.
- Prevention: Fix leaky pipes, eliminate standing water, and keep surfaces clean to remove potential food sources.
Odorous ants get their name from the unpleasant smell they release when crushed. Odorous ants are small dark brown or black ants that are mostly attracted to moisture, which is why you may notice them hanging out by leaky pipes and water heaters.
Pavement Ants
- Identification: Small ants with reddish-brown or black bodies and visible ridges on the head and thorax; often found in large colonies in pavement cracks and foundations.
- Danger Level: Low; non-aggressive but can be a nuisance in homes.
- Common Locations: Cracks in pavement, sidewalks, driveways, and inside buildings, especially kitchens and bathrooms.
- Prevention: Seal cracks and crevices around foundations, keep food sealed, and clean up spills promptly.
Pavement ants are some of the most common types of ants in Pennsylvania and can be identified by their small size and reddish-brown or black bodies. They get their name from the fact that they are often found in the cracks of pavement and sidewalks.
Pharaoh Ants
- Identification: Very small ants, light yellow to reddish-brown, with two distinct nodes on the waist; often seen near food sources in kitchens or other areas.
- Danger Level: Moderate; can spread diseases and are difficult to eliminate.
- Common Locations: Kitchens, hospitals, apartments, and residential homes, especially near food or drinks.
- Prevention: Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and use baits or professional pest control if infestations occur.
Pharaoh ants are small and lighter in color than other types of ants, typically a light yellow or reddish-brown shade. Pharaoh ants are most drawn to fatty and sweet foods, which is why you may notice these ants near areas where food or drinks have been left out.
Acrobat Ants
- Identification: Small to medium-sized, shiny ants varying in color from light red to black; known for raising their abdomen when disturbed and often found around plants.
- Danger Level: Low; can bite and cause minor wood damage but are not aggressive.
- Common Locations: Fruit trees, rose bushes, shrubs, and damp or rotting wood.
- Prevention: Trim vegetation away from the home, seal entry points, and remove damp wood or debris from around the house.
Acrobat ants are small to medium in size and have shiny bodies that can be found in a variety of shades, from light red to brown or black. These ants are most attracted to fruit trees, rose bushes, and shrubs, although they are known to make their way inside occasionally.
Carpenter Ants
- Identification: Largest North American ants, shiny black, and up to ½ inch or more; known for excavating wood, causing structural damage.
- Danger Level: High; destructive to wooden structures but do not eat wood.
- Common Locations: Damp, decayed, or damaged wood, such as trees, logs, and parts of buildings like walls and roofs.
- Prevention: Repair leaks and water damage, store firewood away from the house, and seal any cracks or gaps in wooden structures.
Carpenter ants are the largest ants in North America and can be identified by their shiny black bodies and large size compared to other types of ants. These ants like to excavate wood, making them some of the most destructive ants you may see in Pennsylvania. .
Are Ants Harmful to Humans or Property?
While ants are not typically harmful to humans, their bites can cause allergic reactions in some people. Certain types of ants can also cause significant damage to property, particularly carpenter ants. Because of this, you will want to make sure you take care of an ant infestation as soon as possible to protect your home and your loved ones.
Ant Prevention Tips
While ants can be incredibly annoying to deal with, there are several ways you can prevent them from invading your home, including:
- Sealing cracks and crevices in your home
- Keeping your kitchen clean
- Properly sealing and storing food
- Removing standing water from your property
- Fixing leaky pipes and faucets
- Removing clutter and debris from your home and yard
You can also take certain steps to get rid of ants in your yard so that you prevent them from nesting in your home.
When to Call an Exterminator for Ants
Like with any pest, it is always advisable that you contact an ant exterminator at the first sign of an infestation. While seeing one or two ants here and there is not necessarily cause for concern, you will want to act fast if you notice several ants in your home at one time.
A trusted exterminator will be able to perform an inspection of your home to determine the severity of the infestation and recommend a treatment plan to get rid of these pests.
FAQs
What are the signs of an ant infestation in a home?
There are several signs of an ant infestation to look out for, including seeing live ants in your home, finding discarded insect wings, discovering ant trails, and hearing strange sounds coming from inside your walls.
How do ants enter homes and buildings?
Ants are incredibly skilled at making their way into homes and buildings, especially because of their small size. Ants can gain access to homes and buildings through cracks and crevices in the wall, open windows, and by crawling on tree limbs that may be touching the exterior of the home or building.
What attracts ants to homes in Pennsylvania?
The biggest reason ants may be drawn to your Pennsylvania home is that you are leaving out food and water for them to enjoy. Without even realizing it, you may be leaving food crumbs and excess water for these pests to access, which is why it is imperative to properly store your food, avoid leaving dirty dishes sitting in the sink, and remove any standing water from your property.