Ants Control

Moisture ants are yellow to dark brown and have been connected to rotting wood in houses — and the problem probably existed before the colony became introduced to the structure. Chemical control is only a temporary solution.

Thatching ants are sometimes called "mound ants" because some species will build mounds made from small sticks, leaves, dirt, pine and fir needles. These ants have a bite that can be painful since they will spray the bite area with formic acid, which can cause blistering if the skin is not washed. These ants may also be confused with carpenter ants and can be beneficial.

Odorous house ants can be found in houses seeking out dairy products, raw and cooked meats, vegetables, and a wide variety of foods, but they prefer sweets. These ants also produce a rotten coconut-like odor. When alarmed, the worker ant will raise its abdomen and quickly run about.

Pavement ants are usually just a nuisance pest and will nest under rocks, in exposed soil and sometimes houses. They may be found in the lower walls of the foundation, sidewalks, concrete driveways, patios and concrete slab construction. Pavement ants feed on sweets, insects and seeds.