If you live in Ohio, you have probably experienced a variety of ants scurrying around your property at some point. Understanding what is invading your home is the first step in ant control. Below are a few facts about ants in this state.

FAQ About Ants

What Types of Ants Are in Ohio?

Black ants are small and can be found across the country seeking food and water anywhere they can. Light brown ants found under rocks and cracks in the sidewalk are called pavement ants. You may have also seen pharaoh ants, which are small and yellow, and like to snuggle indoors during winter for warmth and sweet foods. They are also known to transmit bacteria.

Acrobatic ants stand on their heads when they sense danger, bite, and emit a foul odor. You may find carpenter ants, which are larger and tend to nest in wood, even though they don’t feed off it. You’ll find these in trees and timber, and they can cause damage as they burrow. 

Why Are Ants Inside?

Ants are in search of food and water and will sneak into any area to find it. You will often find them in kitchens, but they also like moist areas like bathrooms, which provide a cozy area, a water source, and a great place to lay eggs. In some cases, they are seeking warmth, which is why you will often see them behind appliances. Ants also communicate with their colony through pheromones to alert them where the best sources of food and water are.

What Is the Best Ant Control Method?

Unlike other pests, ants are smart and resourceful. They can sense threats easily and will avoid areas that have been treated by conventional pest control methods. Ant control must entail getting to the colony. Knowing their food preferences helps set up baits that will carry poisons back to the colony. An ant control expert can help identify these details.

How Can You Keep Ants Out?

Once an ant problem is remedied, controlling future infestations is important. Make sure all seals and cracks are closed and keep food sealed tight. Apply a perimeter spray that will deter ants from approaching and ensure your yard is well kept. Many ant species like to hide in wood piles and other yard debris; removing this will reduce their nests.

For ant control, call Mason, OH’s leading pest control service—BUG-A-PEST, LLC. Locally owned and operated since 1992, these fully insured and certified exterminators and members of Ohio Pest Management Association will perform everything from preventative services to inspections and extermination. Whether you have ants, bedbugs, termites, or spiders, their team understands the best approach to eliminating them from your home or business. Call (513) 459-7700 for an appointment or visit their website for their bug library to see what you have.