While ants are most active in the spring and summertime, they can infest your home any time of year.
Certainly, all types of ants can be a nuisance, but some ants can be more destructive than others. Therefore, understanding what types of ants in Maryland, you are dealing with will help you determine an appropriate treatment plan to get rid of them.
Common Types of Ants in Maryland
First, it’s imperative to differentiate the different types of ants in Maryland you may encounter and discuss their destructiveness.
1. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants get their name from the way they build their nests, as they chew through wood to create tunnels to crawl through. Like subterranean termites, carpenter ants can cause substantial damage to a home if left untreated.
While they can be a nuisance, carpenter ants are not harmful to humans or pets and typically don’t bite.
You can identify carpenter ants by their large black bodies and slight red coloration.
2. Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants are a common type of ant that raise their abdomens when startled, hence their name. Acrobat ants are not as destructive as other types of ants, but they do occasionally bite if their colony is disturbed.
These small light brown ants can easily be identified by their large abdomens, which are bigger than their heads.
3. Odorous Ants
The most common ant found in Annapolis, Maryland, homes is the odorous ant. Odorous ants typically invade homes in search of food and get their name due to the rotten coconut-like smell that they emit when crushed.
These ants have a large node, a light brown body, and thin little legs
4. Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are another common type of ant in Maryland and are commonly seen outside in the cracks of sidewalks. They often enter residential properties through cracks in the foundation and can quickly gain access to the inside of a home due to their small size.
5. Fire Ants
Fire ants are some of the most aggressive ants, as their stings can inflict a burning sensation and itchy blisters that can become infected. Like many other types of ants, fire ants can make their way into homes through cracks in the foundation. These red ants in Maryland have a unique colored body that resides between a dark crimson red and a coffee brown color.
6. Pharaoh Ants
Though pharaoh ants don’t bite, they carry and may transmit diseases to humans, such as salmonella, clostridium, and staphylococcus. While pharaoh ants can nest just about anywhere, they are primarily attracted to sweet and fatty foods.
These tiny ants are less than 2mm in appearance and have a light yellow appearance.
7. Thief Ants
Finally, these microscopic red ants usually go undetected in homes because they are so tiny. While thief ants cannot bite or sting, they often infest food packaging due to their small size and can spread disease and contaminate any food they come into contact with, which makes them worth protecting against.
Which Ants Are the Most Dangerous in Maryland?
Fire ants are widely regarded as the most dangerous ants in Maryland, as they are extremely aggressive and can cause blisters that may become infected. When a person or animal comes near their nest, fire ants have been known to swarm together and attack.
On the other hand, carpenter ants may be the most destructive to your home, as they can damage wood inside the home and cause structural issues.
Why Are There Ants in My House?
While many ants may look and act differently, they are attracted to many of the same things, including water and a steady food supply.
Even small amounts of food, like crumbs or pieces of rogue pet food, can draw ants into your home. The easiest way to prevent ants from entering your home is by cleaning regularly and making sure you’re not leaving food out for ants to find.
You should also get in the habit of cleaning behind harder-to-reach places, like your refrigerator or your stove, as crumbs and pieces of food can get trapped there.
How to Get Rid of Ants
Once you find a host of ants in your home, it’s imperative to get rid of them as fast as possible to prevent new ones from entering. Since most ants draw others with their pheromones, the quicker you react to an infestation, the easier it will be to treat.
1. Clean Your Home
Keeping your home clean is the number one way to prevent ants from entering.
Try to get in the habit of cleaning up after every meal, including wiping down countertops and sweeping the floors. It may also be helpful to limit your eating to one room in your home rather than bringing food to your bedroom or living room.
Even the smallest amount of crumbs can attract ants, so being diligent in your household cleaning is imperative for preventing an ant infestation.
2. Use Ant Baits and Traps
Ant baits and traps can effectively kill any ants that may have entered your home. These traps can be purchased at your local home improvement store and are easy to set up.
However, be sure to follow the instructions of the traps you choose carefully, and do not place them in areas where your pets might reach them.
3. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, citrus, and tea tree oil are known to repel ants and can be used as a more natural pest control solution. You can make your own ant repellent by adding a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to a spray bottle with some water and spraying it around your home.
4. Seal Up Cracks Where They Enter
If you are able to identify any cracks in your home where ants may be entering, seal them up using caulk or foam sealant. For windows, self-adhesive sealing strips can close any gaps and prevent ants from invading your home.
5. Call an Exterminator
If you suspect an ant infestation in your home, contact an ant control specialist immediately. While it may seem easy to take care of an ant infestation yourself, colonies can quickly grow and cause a lot of damage to your home. As with any household pest, an ant infestation should be taken seriously and handled by a trusted professional.
Takeaways
While ants may seem harmless due to their small size, they can be incredibly destructive to your home and may even carry diseases that can be passed to you and your family. Contact a pest control company at the first sign of an ant infestation.
FAQs
What are the largest ants in Maryland?
Carpenter ants are the largest ants in Maryland, measuring about ¼ to ½ inches long. They are black or red in color or often a combination of both colors.
Will ants go away on their own?
Ants do not typically go away on their own, especially if they have already established themselves in your home. If you suspect an ant infestation in your home, you should promptly seek help from a pest control company.
How do you track where ants are coming from?
To track where ants are coming from, you will need to identify their entry point into your home. Ants typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation or walls, so inspect your home for any possible cracks or crevices they may be coming through.