Not all ants are the same problem. Some are a kitchen nuisance. Others point to damp or damaged wood. Knowing which you have changes how it should be treated.
Pavement ants
Small, dark brown to black ants that nest in soil under sidewalks, driveways, and slabs. Look for small piles of soil along pavement cracks and trails running from the foundation into the kitchen. They are common in the Ohio Valley and mostly a nuisance.
Odorous house ants
Small, brown-black ants that give off a rotten-coconut smell when crushed. They follow moisture and sweets, nest in wall voids, under mulch, and near water sources, and can show up in large numbers.
Carpenter ants
The largest of the three, often black or black and red. Carpenter ants do not eat wood. They excavate it to make nests, usually in wood that is already damp. Signs include:
- Large ants indoors, especially in spring
- Piles of coarse, sawdust-like frass beneath window frames, fascia, or soffits
- A faint rustling in walls
Carpenter ant activity is inspected as a structural concern, because it often means a moisture problem is also present.
Why store sprays don’t fix it
Retail sprays kill the ants you see and can scatter colonies. The colony itself is typically in a wall void, under a slab, or in damp wood. Effective control traces activity back to the colony, treats the source, and addresses moisture and entry points.
What helps
- Wipe up food and sweet residue, but do not spray along trails you want us to follow.
- Fix leaks and keep gutters clear.
- Trim shrubs and keep mulch a few inches off the foundation.
- Note where and when you see ants and whether any are large.
For most Ohio Valley homes, a protection plan is the most reliable way to limit seasonal return. To schedule, see our ant control page or call (740) 996-3200.