Despite their small size, dealing with an ant infestation can be a big problem. Ants are notorious for infesting homes in large numbers, which is why it may seem like every time you kill an ant, ten more appear!
While some ant species in Maryland can be more of an annoyance than a threat, carpenter ants can damage wooden furniture. Others, like Acrobat ants, can sting when threatened, and virtually all ants can contaminate food sources if left exposed.
Most ant infestations start slowly and then overwhelm you all at once. If you have been noticing ants in your Maryland home, here are ten telltale signs you have an ant infestation and what to do about it.
Common Ants in Maryland
There are several different types of ants that can be found in Maryland to be on the lookout for, with the most common being:
- Carpenter ants – Large ants, typically black or reddish, known for burrowing into wood to create nests. They don’t eat wood like termites but can cause structural damage over time.
- Odorous ants – Common tiny black ants that give off a strong, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed. They are commonly found indoors, especially near food sources.
- Pharaoh ants – Tiny, yellowish ants that thrive indoors, particularly in warm and humid environments. They are known for being difficult to eliminate because of their ability to form multiple colonies.
- Pavement ants – Small, dark brown to black ants that build nests in pavement cracks, sidewalks, and foundations. They often invade homes in search of food, particularly sweets and greasy items.
- Thief ants – Extremely small, pale yellow to light brown ants that often nest near other ant colonies, stealing food and larvae. They are known for their ability to infiltrate packaged food due to their tiny size.
- Acrobat ants – Light brown to black ants that raise their heart-shaped abdomens over their heads when disturbed. They typically nest in wood and may be found in rotting logs, trees, or even inside homes.
These ants can vary in color, size, and other physical and behavioral differences. If you notice ants in or around your home, an experienced exterminator will be able to assess the situation and let you know what kind of ants you’re dealing with.
10 Signs You Have an Ant Problem
Distinguishing between a full ant infestation and a minor encounter may be difficult at first, but these signs can help you determine if it is worse than you think.
1. Visible Ant Trails
One of the biggest signs of an active ant infestation is spotting visible ant trails in or around your home. Ant trails are exactly what they sound like–a line of ants walking in a certain direction. If you follow an ant trail, you can typically figure out where they are coming from or where their nest is.
2. Ants in the Kitchen or Pantry
Ants are often found in kitchens in search of food and water sources, as they are more likely to find these resources there. However, if you notice ants in your kitchen or pantry on a consistent basis, this could be a sign that an infestation is worse than you believe.
3. Piles of Frass (Ant Debris)
Ant frass is debris that is left behind when ants, typically carpenter ants, burrow through wood. Ant frass can often be found in piles and typically resembles sawdust or dirt. Carpenter ants need to be eliminated immediately as they can cause great financial damage to your home.
4. Rustling Noises in Walls
If you hear rustling noises from inside your walls, it is safe to assume that you’re dealing with a pest infestation. Ants can create a rustling or scratching noise as they move through walls, so be sure to contact an exterminator if you hear any strange noises in your home.
5. Small Dirt Mounds Near Your Home
Ant hills are mounds of soil or dirt that ants create as entrances to their underground nests. If you notice small mounds of dirt near your home, it may be a sign that ants are nearby. Getting rid of ants hills in your yard is an easy way to help prevent and eliminate ant colonies.
6. Damaged or Hollow Wood
Carpenter ants are known for causing destruction to homes by chewing through wood, and they will often leave wood looking damaged or sounding hollow. If you notice your wood looking or sounding unusual, contact an exterminator right away as you are dealing with a wood-destroying organism of some kind.
7. Increased Ant Activity After Rain
Heavy rain can flood ant nests and cause them to emerge from the ground to seek shelter, which is why you may notice more ants inside after it rains.
8. Unexplained Food Damage
Seeing gnaw marks on your food can indicate many different types of pests, including ants. Although tiny, ants can still consume a good amount of food in your pantry by consuming small pieces of it at one time. One of the biggest risks of an unchecked ant infestation is the risk of food contamination from contact with disease-carrying ants.
9. Winged Ants or Swarmers Indoors
Winged ants, also known as swarmers, are ants that have developed wings in order to reproduce. If you notice these strange-looking ants in your home, you should contact an exterminator to have the problem taken care of. Acting quickly will help prevent a future ant colony from forming on your property.
10. Ant Bites or Stings
Ants can bite and often leave painful and itchy marks on the skin of those they bite, but these bites and stings are usually not serious. However, if you notice yourself having a strange reaction to an ant bite, you should seek medical attention.
What to Do If You Have an Ant Problem
If you are dealing with an ant problem in your home, there are a few steps you should take to get rid of ants right away:
Identify the Type of Ant
Identifying the type of ants in your home is an important first step in treating the problem. If you are unable to identify them yourself, an experienced exterminator can help.
Seal Entry Points
Ants can squeeze through even the tiniest of cracks and crevices in a home due to their small size. You can seal these entry points using a store-bought caulk or sealant and apply it to any gaps or cracks in your walls, windows, or floors.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Ants typically enter a home in search of food and water sources, so if you can eliminate these resources, you have a better chance of getting rid of the ants in your home. Be sure to properly seal and store all food and beverages, remove garbage bags from your home regularly, and remove standing water or leaking pipes.
Use Baits and Traps
Ant baits and traps are inexpensive and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. However, they should be monitored over time as they may not be as effective as professional pest control services.
Apply Pesticides or Natural Repellents
Some homeowners prefer to take a more DIY approach to getting rid of the ants in their home, either by using pesticides or natural repellents. Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and citrus oils, can be used to deter ants.
Get an Ant Inspection
When in doubt, it can be wise to have an ant inspection done by a professional exterminator. This will help you determine what kind of ants are in your home and how severe the infestation is.
Contact a Professional
Contacting a professional exterminator at the first sign of a pest infestation is always a good idea and gives you peace of mind. An exterminator can inspect your home to determine what kind of infestation you’re dealing with and recommend a plan to get rid of the ants. For all matters of ant control in Maryland, be sure to contact Pest Czar–a QualityPro and GreenPro-certified exterminator that specializes in ants.
FAQs
What attracts ants to my home?
Ants typically enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter. Leaving food out or having standing water on your property, such as a leaky pipe or bird bath in the backyard, increases your chances of an infestation.
Are certain types of ants more harmful than others?
Certain types of ants can be more harmful than others. For example, carpenter ants, which eat through wood, can cause severe damage to homes. Other types, like fire ants, are known for causing painful stings that can even cause rashes.
Can ants cause structural damage to my house?
Yes, ants can cause structural damage to a house. This is especially true for carpenter ants, which chew through wood.