Red & Black Ants Found in Virginia

There are many species of ant found throughout North America. However, in Virginia there seem to be the same four common species found invading homes and some of them are quite destructive. Eagle Pest Services will share more about these most common species of ant and how you can protect your home from them.

Carpenter Ants

One of the largest ant species found in America is the carpenter ant. Carpenter ants can range anywhere from ¼ to ½ an inch in length. Most carpenter ants are black, but sometimes you’ll them in dark reddish brown. A colony of carpenter ants can have up to 15,000 workers and it is not uncommon to find parent colonies near or outside their home. Carpenter ants travel up to 300 feet each day to forage for food. Carpenter ants received their name due to the fact that they build their hives in damp or decaying wood. Nonetheless they will invade any wooden structure, including your home. Much like termites, they cause thousands of dollars worth of residential damages each year. They aren’t just a nuisance; they are also destructive as well.

Little Black Ants

The little black ant is very small. They’re only 1/16 of an inch in length and as their name suggests, they are also black. Little black ants will build their nest just about anywhere. You’ll find them under rocks, in decaying wood, and even in masonry work. They can be found outdoors and indoors. They have an appetite for meat and sugars, so they will find any discarded food in the home delectable, even food left in dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants received thier name due to the nasty rotten coconut like odor they emit when they get crushed. The odorous house ant is a brownish color and is about 1/8 of an inch in length. They usually invade homes during the seasons food becomes harder for them to find. Even when odorous house ants invade homes, their nest is usually still located outside. Odorous house ants are known as a super colony ant due to their large colony sizes that range up to 100,000 members. Their nest can be difficult to locate which makes them more difficult to control.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are well known to build their nest under pavement and concrete, so you will often see them going in between the cracks. They are around the same size as odorous house ants and reach up to 1/8 of an inch in size. Pavement ants are dark in color, typically black with light colored antennae. They will feed on just about anything from plants, seeds, meats, greasy foods, and sugars. They typically will stay outdoors through spring, summer and fall and may invade homes during the winter. When they invade homes, they’re found nesting in the walls and insulation or underneath foundations. They will crawl through the cracks to gain access to your home and forage for food and water.

Ant Control

Controlling ants can be difficult. They are very creative as to when and how they gain access to a home. Their size doesn’t help either. To help deter ants, keep food sealed in air tight containers and clean up after all food and drinks. Avoid leaving dirty dishes or crumbs around the house and clean up spilled juices or drinks on the floors and counter tops. Your best defense against ants is to use a quality pest control company that can help protect your home from ants. Eagle Pest Services can help protect your home from ants and any other pests in their seasons. To protect your home or business from pests, contact today!