A Guide to Common Ant Species in Northern Illinois and Effective Pest Control
Ant infestations are a common issue faced by households in Northern Illinois. Understanding the types of ants that are prevalent in this region and their unique characteristics can help in identifying the best pest control solutions. This article will compare various ant species found in Northern Illinois and provide tips for effective management.
1. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species found in Northern Illinois. They are usually black, but some can also be brown or red. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but hollow it out to build their nests. Mature nests (3-5 years old) will create thousands of “swarmers”, or ants with wings that are intended to find a safe location for a new nest. These are frequently confused for termites, but can be distinguished at a close look.
Signs of Infestation: One of the primary indicators of carpenter ants is small piles of sawdust around your home, which are often referred to as frass. If it is a mature colony, you are likely to see thousands of swarmers emerge each spring. High numbers of carpenter ants within a home indicates there is water damage somewhere, from a leaky pipe to a poorly sealed window allowing water behind the siding.
Pest Control Tips: To prevent carpenter ant infestations, ensure that your home is free from moisture issues and remove any decaying wood around the vicinity. If an infestation is suspected, professional pest control services should be contacted as they can help in applying targeted treatments.
Do not attempt to kill them yourself, as it is important to use pesticides that are brought back into the nest itself. Nest locations are often inaccessible, either underground or within the home.
2. Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small, typically around one-eighth of an inch long, and range in color from dark brown to black. These ants are usually found building nests in cracks of pavement, sidewalks, and driveways, hence their name. They are identified by their two-segmented pedicel and distinct parallel lines on the head and thorax. Pavement ants are known for their aggressive foraging behavior and often engage in large battles with other ant colonies over territory.
Signs of Infestation: While pavement ants primarily build their nests outdoors, homeowners often notice them entering buildings in search of food, especially during early spring and summer. Look for trails of worker ants leading to food sources and small piles of soil or sand near foundation walls, under stones, and on sidewalks. Inside, they can frequently be found in kitchens and pantries, attracted to sugary and greasy foods.
Pest Control Tips: To prevent pavement ants from entering your home, seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation and along window sills and door frames. Regular maintenance to close potential entry points is crucial. Additionally, keep food stored in airtight containers and maintain cleanliness in kitchens and pantry areas to reduce attraction. For larger infestations, consider consulting a professional pest control service for targeted treatments.
3. Odorous House Ants
These ants are relatively small, measuring about 1/8th of an inch in length, and dark brown to black in color. They have a distinctive feature where they emit a peculiar odor when crushed, which many describe as similar to the smell of rotten coconut.
Signs of Infestation: Odorous house ants are particularly drawn to sweet substances, and this is often where they are most commonly noticed. They have a tendency to form large colonies, making them highly noticeable when they invade an area. You might find them trailing persistently along kitchen counters or discovering their way into cabinets searching for sugary food items. This behavior can be a clear indicator of their presence in your home.
Pest Control Tips: To effectively manage and control an infestation of odorous house ants, it is crucial to maintain a clean kitchen environment. Ensure that all food crumbs and spills are promptly cleaned up, and regular disposal of garbage is essential to remove any potential food sources. For a more direct approach, bait treatments specifically designed for ants can be effective in targeting and eliminating entire colonies. However, if the infestation seems overwhelming, consulting a professional pest control service for more comprehensive solutions could be the best course of action.
4. Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are tiny, measuring about 1/16 inch in length, and exhibit a distinct yellowish to light brown coloration. These ants thrive in warm and humid environments, where temperatures remain consistently high. Unlike many other ant species, pharaoh ants prefer to make their nests indoors, often choosing hidden and hard-to-reach places like wall voids, behind baseboards, and inside furniture. Their adaptability allows them to establish colonies in a wide range of residences, from apartments to large industrial buildings.
Signs of Infestation: Due to their small size, pharaoh ants can easily go unnoticed as they infiltrate homes. They are frequently found near sources of moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, and are known to forage for food in these areas. The presence of small trails of workers and tiny clusters of ants feeding on sugary or greasy substances can often indicate an infestation. Like Carpenter Ants, pharaoh ants are known for their tendency to form multiple nests or satellite colonies, which can complicate control efforts if not addressed promptly.
Pest Control Tips: Successful management of pharaoh ants typically involves using baiting systems specifically designed for these pests. These baits generally contain a slow-acting poison that the workers transport back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony over time. It is crucial to avoid using contact insecticides, such as instant-kill sprays, as these can cause the ants to scatter and establish new satellite colonies, making the infestation more widespread.
Conclusion
Proper identification of ant species is crucial in determining the most effective pest control strategy. Regular inspections and preventative measures can help keep ant infestations at bay. However, if you are struggling with getting control over ants, call Fox Valley Environmental Pest Control for a free quote for our Ant Control services, which are backed with our industry leading 9 month guarantee!