It is easy to look at ants and think that all of them are the same. They look very similar across the species, and they are almost always found in hordes of other ants that are also desperately scavenging for food. However, it is essential to know some of the key differences between common ant species in order to determine the best way to go about treating them. In St. Peters, there are a couple of common ant species that have made a name for themselves as some of the most frustrating ants in Missouri.

Odorous house ants, true to their name, are the most common ant species that specifically invade homes. They can grow up to a measly 3.25 millimeters long and have oddly-shaped thoraxes that give them a unique look compared to other ants. Odorous house ants keep their nests contained indoors when possible, and they are difficult to uncover since they keep their colonies behind walls and under floorboards. They feed on basically anything that can be found in a kitchen, including sweets, grease, insects, dairy, and meats. These ants are identifiable by their titular odor, as they emit a chemical that smells like rotten coconut when squished or threatened. 

Carpenter ants are subjectively the most unique ants that we frequently see in St. Peters homes. This is not because of their appearance or diet, since those are pretty standard to many ants. Carpenter ants are up to 1/2 of an inch long and red or black in color, and they typically eat anything heavy in sugar or protein. Rather, their unique reputation stems from the fact that they construct their nests inside natural wood. They function much like termites in how the workers use their sharp mandibles to carve intricate tunnels into wood, but carpenter ants do not actually eat the wood. These infestations are even more important to get a handle on immediately, as carpenter ants can compromise the integrity of any structure the longer that they are inside. 

If discerning between ant species sounds overwhelming to you, don’t worry! The ant experts at Pointe Pest Control are happy to do that for you. Our technicians are highly-trained in recognizing the signs of popular St. Peters ants, as well as the most efficient ways to treat the infestation and prevent the ants from returning. We are dedicated to solving your ant problems with the utmost care and efficiency, so contact us for more information on our reliable ant control services today!