Many ant species look and act similarly, to the point where it can be difficult for the average person to determine which type of ant is currently invading their kitchen. Every common ant species is invasive and frustrating to try to control, but each one has its own preferences and habits that are useful to know when deciding on the best treatments to use. There are many different kinds of ants found in Florissant, but two species rise above in terms of being the most frequently-found ants in local homes and businesses. 

Pavement ants predictably live under and inside concrete, so they are frequently found on sidewalks and in driveways. The easiest way to determine if the dark ants marching along the paved pathways outside your home is to look for any small dirt mounds on the concrete, as these are the anthills of pavement ants. They are 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long and have stingers, so it is a good idea to avoid touching these ants if you find them inside your home. Speaking of which, pavement ants do not have to nest directly outside the house or building they invade. They are willing to travel in their search for food, so their colony may be hidden somewhere else. Some of their favorite foods include grease and meat, so it is common to find pavement ants entering through the walls of a kitchen.

Odorous house ants are always looking for a home to invade because they are one of the few ant species that like to keep their colonies indoors. They will hide their massive numbers under the flooring and behind walls, so it is easy for these ants to remain undetected for a while. They are 2.5 to 3.25 millimeters long with oddly-shaped thoraxes. Odorous house ants tend to invade in autumn when the cold sets in, where they seek out all kinds of food items like meat, sweets, dairy, grease, and insects. Similar to stink bugs, these ants release a strong odor when they are threatened or squished. It smells like rotten coconut or bleu cheese, so if you start randomly smelling either of these scents, it could be an early sign of odorous house ants.

Ant infestations are not easily solved with store-bought sprays and DIY treatments, despite what some online sources may tell you. The trickiest parts of handling an ant issue are ensuring that every ant is gone and the metaphorical door is shut behind them by sealing all entry points. When you choose Pointe Pest Control for your ant needs, you can be sure that you will receive thorough services that completely solve your ant problems. Contact us to learn more about our non-toxic treatments and why Pointe is the most trusted ant control provider in Florissant!