Everyone has seen ants. These tiny pests often invade kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. However, there’s a good chance you don’t know how to identify the exact species of ants. Are these ants dangerous? Will these ants bite? How can I get rid of these ants? If you’re worried about ants in your New Jersey home, we have some information on identifying ants and learning how problematic each type can be.
What Kind Of Ant Is This?
There are several species of ants across the United States. In New Jersey, some of the ants you are most likely to find in your home are carpenter ants, crazy ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants. Here’s some information about each:
- Carpenter ants are the largest, growing to be about 1/2 of an inch long. They are usually shades of black or brownish.
- Crazy ants are only about 1/8 of an inch long. They are dark brown or black and can be identified by their erratic running patterns.
- Odorous house ants look similar to crazy ants. They’re also 1/8 of an inch long but are often darker than crazy ants.
- Pharaoh ants are the smallest of these species at less than 1/16 an inch long. They’re also lighter than other ants and are usually light brown or even yellow.
Nuisance Ant Or Dangerous Ant?
Ants fall into two categories. Nuisance ants are frustrating to deal with, but not particularly dangerous. They don’t bite, they don’t transmit diseases, and they don’t destroy property. It’s important to note, though, that nuisance pests can contaminate food. Crazy ants and odorous house ants fall into this category. They invade homes in large numbers and can be immensely frustrating to deal with, but they aren’t considered dangerous.
Carpenter ants, on the other hand, are considered dangerous ants. This is because they can damage property. Carpenter ants build tunnels and nests inside wood. They can get inside walls and damage the structural integrity of homes. They may also chew on wires, causing electric fires.
Pharaoh ants are considered dangerous pests. They don’t damage property, like carpenter ants, but they have been linked to the spread of diseases like dysentery and salmonellosis. Pharaoh ants are also among the most difficult species of ant to control.
What’s The Best Way To Prevent Ant Problems?
No matter what kind of ant is infesting your New Jersey home, it can be difficult to get rid of. Ants can get inside through the tiniest spaces and can appear in huge numbers. They often come in looking for food and will make their appearance in the kitchen, getting into stored food, garbage, and even dishes. They can also appear around bathrooms and in other rooms of the house. Though you may find do-it-yourself strategies online, the best way to deal with ants is to call in the professionals.
At Heritage Pest Control we know how to identify ant species. We know the unique problems caused by each species and we know which treatment methods are necessary for each. Don’t let ants control your house this spring and summer.