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Common types of ants

In the Western United States, there are a number of different types of ants that you can encounter. Black ants are extremely common, but you could be seeing carpenter ants or other little black ants. Other ants like odorous house ants and pavement ants can also be a threat to your home, but that doesn't account for all of the different ant species out there.

It's also important to know that depending on which ant you're seeing, there could be a difference in how you get rid of them. While the easiest way to avoid an infestation is to prevent ants from your home in the first place, you might find yourself seeing ants around your home that need identifying.

Western Exterminator knows how to identify which ant you are seeing and can provide the ant control solution to get rid of ants for good. Check out the different ants you could see or call us at 800-937-8398.

Different ant species

 

A queen carpenter ant with worker and pupa
A queen carpenter ant with worker and pupa

Some ant species live in colonies that are supported by a single queen while others are supported by multiple queens. Although there are 1,000 ant species known in the U.S., there are relatively few that we commonly see as pests. These include:

How to identify different ant species

Identifying different types of ants can be challenging since many share similar traits. Looking at characteristics like body size, color, and nesting habits can help pinpoint the ant species. Some types of ants have distinct markings, while others are identified by their movement patterns or preferred food sources. Knowing these differences is key to effective ant control.

Examining the behavior of different kinds of ants also provides clues about their species. For instance, common house ants often seek out sugary foods, while carpenter ants target wooden structures. For more information, check out our guide on everything you should know about ants.

Do you need professional ant control?

If you're dealing with an ant infestation, knowing when to seek professional help is essential. While some ant problems can be managed with DIY ant control methods, others require expert treatment to prevent recurring issues and long-term damage. Understanding the severity of an infestation and the species involved can help you determine the best course of action.

Identifying which ant species need professional treatment

Some kinds of ants require expert intervention due to the damage they cause or the difficulty of removing them. Some ant names to remember include:

  • Carpenter ants – These ants excavate wood softened by water damage and fungi, causing structural damage over time. Unlike common house ants, they don’t just invade homes for food but actively weaken wooden structures.
  • Fire ants – Known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, fire ants pose a danger to both people and pets. Controlling this species requires a specialized approach.
  • Argentine ants – These ants form massive supercolonies, with fascinating structures and roles, which can make DIY treatments ineffective. Their sheer numbers make professional pest control the best option for eradication.

If any of these different types of ants are present in your home or business, professional treatment is highly recommended to prevent damage and ensure safety.

When to call an expert for ant infestations

While some ant types can be controlled with DIY methods, an expert should be called in if:

  • Ants keep returning despite repeated treatments.
  • You notice large numbers of winged ants (alates) inside your home.
  • Ant nests are found within walls, floors, or other hard-to-reach areas.
  • You suspect wood damage, indicating the presence of carpenter ants.
  • Painful stings or allergic reactions occur from fire ants in the home or yard.

A pest professional can correctly identify the different kinds of ants in your home and apply targeted treatments to eliminate them.

How Western Exterminator can help with ant identification and removal

Western Exterminator specialists are trained to identify and remove different types of ants using effective, long-term solutions. Our team conducts thorough inspections to locate nests and determine which ants are infesting your property. By understanding the types of ants involved, we can apply the most appropriate treatment methods.

We don’t just eliminate the immediate problem—we also implement preventative measures to keep ants and other pests from returning. Whether you’re dealing with house ants, or different kinds of ants, like carpenter ants, our experts have the tools and knowledge to resolve the infestation efficiently.

If you’re struggling with an ant problem, contact Western Exterminator today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from these unwanted pests.

 

 

For more information about ants, check out our article: interesting facts about ants.

Frequently asked questions

Look at size, color, and behavior. Some ants, like carpenter ants, are large and excavate wood, while others, like odorous house ants, are small and attracted to sweet food.

Argentine ants and crazy ants are difficult to control due to their large colonies and ability to relocate quickly when disturbed.

Odorous house ants are one of the most frequently encountered ants in homes, often searching for sugary foods.

Fire ants pose the biggest immediate threat due to their painful stings, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

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