Ants
Masterful Pest management

All About the Most Common Types of Ants in Maryland Areas

Ants are one of the most common pest problems that homeowners face, and while they all look similar, there are actually many different types of ants. Understanding these types is important to determine how to effectively combat them. To help you identify which type of ant is invading your home, here is a brief overview of some of the most common species. 

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Acrobat Ants

Acrobat ants are relatively small but have a distinct heart-shaped abdomen that allows them to raise their rears in the air when disturbed. They get their name from this behavior, which makes them resemble an acrobat doing a handstand. These ants are usually black or dark brown in color and prefer sweet foods like honeydew, nectar, and other sugary substances found in kitchens and pantries. 

Carpenter Ants

Unlike other species, carpenter ants do not feed on sugary substances; instead, they prefer protein-based food sources like insects and meats. Carpenter ants get their name from the fact that they burrow into wood to build nests—which can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. They are typically black or red in color with yellow or orange markings on their legs and abdomens. 

Ghost Ants

Ghost ants get their name from their light gray coloring as well as their tendency to move quickly around surfaces making them appear almost translucent at times. These tiny creatures also tend to build nests indoors near heat sources such as hot water pipes and radiators, as well as behind kitchen appliances and cabinets where food is usually stored away. Ghost ants prefer sweets such as honeydew and nectar but will also feed on dead insects or proteins if necessary. 

Little Black Ants

Little black ants are aptly named for both their size (they’re about 1/8th inch long) and coloring (they’re pure black). These hardy little critters can survive even in extreme temperatures so they often nest outside near foundations, patios, sidewalks, driveways—anywhere that provides access to food sources like garbage cans or pet food dishes. Little black ants will eat anything from sweets like honeydew to proteins like dead insects or even grease! 

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants have a strong odor when crushed—hence the name—which makes it easy for homeowners to identify them among other species of ant infestations. They range in color from dark brown to black and will mostly feed on sugary foods like honeydew or nectar but will also eat proteins like dead insects if necessary. These critters usually build large colonies outdoors under rocks or logs but may move inside homes during colder months when temperatures drop below freezing levels outside. 

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants get their name from building nests in cracks of pavement due to their love for warmth provided by asphalt roads and pathways on sunny days! Like many other kinds of ant species, pavement ants feed on sweets such as honeydew but also scavenge for proteins like dead insects whenever possible making them more difficult to control than some other types of ant infestations since they’re able to find different sources of food easily within homes too! 

Pharaoh Ants:

Pharaoh ants have characteristic yellowish bodies with light-brown abdomens that make them easily distinguishable from other types of ant infestations! As with many other kinds of ant species these critters prefer sweet substances such as honeydew but will also feed on proteins when necessary making them more difficult pests than others because they’re able scavenge for food easily within homes too! Pharaoh ants build colonies outdoors during warmer months then move indoors during colder months where heaters provide warmth for these critters just enough so they continue living comfortably throughout winter season too!

Have an Ant Infestation problem?

There are numerous ways you can fight off an infestation depending on what kind it is; understanding what each type feeds off helps you better protect your home against any potential invasions down line especially if you know ahead who your biggest enemy might be beforehand! From odorous house ants who love warm spots inside homes during wintertime all way up until pharaoh ones who prefer sweet snacks outside summer days -- knowing what kind you're dealing with gives you upper hand when it comes time fighting back so always keep those facts handy whenever possible! Fill out the form below to get a professional involved with your pest control problem.

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