Can Ants Build Nests in Walls?
WouterWhether you live in a new home or in an older building, it’s not uncommon to find ants in walls. Ants are small creatures with claws on the ends of their feet. They are incredibly organized and can live in a wide variety of habitats, including walls.
While there are more than 10,000 ant species known worldwide, only 25 species have been proven to be able to infest homes. The most common species to inhabit walls are carpenter ants. They can be hard to identify and can cause serious damage to the home’s structural integrity.
Carpenter ants will burrow deep into a wall to make their nest. They also leave piles of wood near the nest. These piles are made up of tiny round pellets. Depending on the species, they may smell like rotten coconuts or citronella.
Pharaoh ants are another species that can live in walls. They build nests in interior wall voids near water sources. They are also common in areas with a lot of moisture.
There are also Argentine ants that use insulation to help keep the moisture in their nests. They are very active during the winter. They are light brown in color and can grow to about 1/8-inch in length. They can become a real problem during the winter if they aren’t eliminated.
If you find ants in walls, it’s important to eliminate the problem right away. Not only will they have a hard time locating their nest, but they may also start to multiply and cause serious damage to your home.
