Ants are a common sight in Massachusetts, and while most are harmless, some can become a nuisance or cause structural damage to your home. At B&B Pest Control, we’re here to help you identify the most common ants in the area and recommend the best solutions to keep them away from your property. Here’s a handy guide to recognize and deal with them.
Common Ants Found in Massachusetts
1. Carpenter Ants
- Appearance: Large (1/4 to 1/2 inch), black or reddish-black in color.
- Habitat: Often found in moist or decayed wood. They can infest wooden structures like beams, walls, or decks.
- Why They’re a Problem: Carpenter ants don’t eat wood but burrow through it, potentially causing serious structural damage to homes.
- Signs of Infestation: You may notice wood shavings near entry points or hear rustling sounds in the walls.
2. Pavement Ants
- Appearance: Small (1/8 inch), dark brown or blackish with parallel lines on their head and thorax.
- Habitat: Prefer to nest under sidewalks, driveways, or within building foundations.
- Why They’re a Problem: While primarily a nuisance, these ants can enter homes in search of food, contaminating it. They’re particularly attracted to sugary or greasy foods.
3. Odorous House Ants
- Appearance: Small (1/8 inch), dark brown to black.
- Habitat: Thrive indoors near water sources, like sinks or pipes, and outdoors under mulch or stones.
- Why They’re a Problem: Nicknamed for the rotten coconut-like smell they produce when crushed, these ants can invade kitchens and pantries en masse in search of food.
4. Pharaoh Ants
- Appearance: Extremely small (1/16 inch), light yellow to reddish with translucent bodies.
- Habitat: Often found indoors in warm, humid places like kitchens, bathrooms, and even hospitals.
- Why They’re a Problem: Known for their ability to spread pathogens in homes, hospitals, and food areas, these ants establish multiple nests, making them particularly tricky to eliminate.
5. Acrobat Ants
- Appearance: Small (1/8 inch), usually reddish-brown to black, with a heart-shaped abdomen.
- Habitat: Live in moist environments and are commonly seen in decayed wood or around windows and door frames.
- Why They’re a Problem: Acrobat ants can damage wood and electrical wiring, and they release an unpleasant odor when disturbed.
How B&B Pest Control Can Help
Dealing with an ant infestation can quickly become overwhelming without expert support. That’s where B&B Pest Control comes in.
Our Ant Control Solutions:
- Thorough Inspection: We begin by identifying the type of ant and locating the nest.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the species and severity, we use targeted solutions designed to eliminate ants at their source.
- Prevention Tips: Our team advises homeowners on how to reduce future infestations by sealing cracks, removing food sources, and addressing moisture issues.
- Eco-Friendly Options: We provide pest control solutions that are safe for your family and the environment.
Why Choose B&B Pest Control?
- More than 30 years of experience handling pests in Massachusetts.
- Licensed, certified professionals who understand local ant behavior.
- Quick and effective results with long-term strategies to keep ants out.
- Competitive prices and free initial inspections.
Don’t wait until minor ant troubles turn into major infestations. Whether it’s carpenter ants damaging your home or odorous house ants invading your kitchen, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Us Today!
Visit www.bbpest.com or call us at (781) 599-4317 to schedule your inspection and protect your home from ants.
B&B Pest Control – Massachusetts’ trusted partner for safe, effective pest management.