How Common Are Ants?

Thousands of ant species exist in the United States. It’s important to know what kind you’re dealing with to help with the pest control process.

Some ants, such as the Odorous House Ants, are notorious for contaminating food and human food supplies. These ants live in nests and forage for food inside and outside homes. They can be found in all parts of the U.S. and are most commonly found in the Midwest and Northwest.

Other types of ants, such as the Pavement Ants, can also enter a home and contaminate food. They are dark brown and are found in cracks in masonry and pavement. These ants can be found in homes, especially in the Midwest and Northwest, but they rarely pose a problem to homeowners.

Acrobat Ants are also commonly found in homes. These ants are 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch in size and have a heart-shaped abdomen. They’re attracted to sweet foods and grease. They tend to forage in trails.

Carpenter Ants are the largest ants you’ll find, and they build nests in wood. These ants can be found in homes with water damage. They’re often larger than other types of ants and come in a variety of colors.

The Argentine Ant is a dark brown, omnivorous ant that can be found in homes. They’re also very adaptable and can build large colonies, with hundreds of queens. They also carry a variety of diseases.

Ghost Ants are often found in homes and shrubs, but they don’t have stingers. They are attracted to sweet foods, such as honey, and are nocturnal.