Types of Ants You’ll Find in Queen Creek and Phoenix
Not all ants are the same, and different species can require different approaches to control. Here are the most common types you might encounter in our area:
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are a major nuisance in the Phoenix metro area, including Queen Creek. These social insects are small, light brown, and can form large colonies with multiple queens. They often invade homes in search of food, especially sugary substances. If you’ve ever left a bowl of fruit on the counter and found ants swarming it, chances are these are Argentine ants.
Tip: They are attracted to moisture and food sources, so keeping your home clean and dry can help reduce their appeal.
Carpenter Ants
Unlike their smaller cousins, carpenter ants are black or reddish and much larger. They don’t eat wood like termites, but they chew through it to create nests. These insects are often found in damp, decaying wood around the home, such as windowsills, door frames, or basements. If you hear a faint rustling sound in your walls or spot wood shavings, you might have a carpenter ant problem.
Tip: Look for signs of moisture damage or rotting wood around your home. Fix any leaks and replace damaged wood to keep carpenter ants from settling in.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are another common invader, often seen foraging along sidewalks and driveways before making their way inside. They’re typically dark brown to black and build their nests in cracks in pavement. They’re opportunistic feeders and will enter homes through tiny openings in search of food, especially during warmer months.
Tip: Seal any cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation or around doors and windows to prevent them from sneaking in.
Odorous House Ants
These ants are small and dark brown to black. They are often called “odorous” because they emit a strong, unpleasant smell when crushed. These ants are notorious for invading homes in the summer, especially if there's a food source like sweets or pet food.
Tip: Keep food containers sealed tightly, and clean up crumbs and spills quickly to discourage them from making your home their own.
Why Do Ants Invade Your Home?
Ants are simply searching for food, water, and shelter, and your home is often a prime target. During warmer months, ants venture indoors to escape the heat, especially if food or water sources are readily available. Ants are also social creatures, so when one finds a food source, they’ll leave a scent trail for others to follow. That’s why you often see more ants once you’ve spotted a few.
How to Keep These Pests Out
Prevention goes a long way. Here are a few homeowner-friendly tips to help keep ants outside where they belong:
- Seal up entry points: Use caulk or weather stripping around doors, windows, and utility openings.
- Keep surfaces clean: Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly. Don’t leave dirty dishes or open food out.
- Fix leaks and remove standing water: Ants are drawn to moisture, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Trim back landscaping: Keep shrubs and branches from touching the house to limit ant highways into your walls.
- Store food properly: Keep snacks, pet food, and baking supplies in sealed containers.
What About Natural Ant Deterrents?
You’ve probably seen DIY solutions online—spraying vinegar, essential oils, or lemon juice around entry points. While these home remedies might break up an ant trail temporarily, they don’t actually solve the problem. Colonies aren’t easy to wipe out from the outside. The real action is happening behind walls, under floors, or out in the soil.
Sometimes, using deterrents without addressing the source can even make things worse by causing the colony to split and spread. That’s why quick fixes often lead to repeat invasions.
Termio’s Approach To Ant Control In Queen Creek and Phoenix
At Termio Pest Control, we don’t just spray and leave. Our home pest control service keeps ants and other pests out of your home for the long haul—starting with a thorough inspection and customized treatment plan.
Here’s how it works:
- Initial inspection and treatment: We inspect your property for pest activity, entry points, and conditions that attract insects and rodents. We treat the exterior perimeter, knock down spider webs and wasp nests, apply granular treatments, and set exterior rodent bait stations if needed. If there’s indoor activity, we’ll treat inside, too.
- Ongoing quarterly visits: Each quarter, we come back to treat the exterior and reinforce the barrier that keeps pests—including ants—out. And if something pops up in between visits? We’ve got that covered.
- Free re-treatments: If ants or other covered pests show up between scheduled visits, just give us a call. We’ll return and re-treat at no extra charge.
We’re based right here in the Phoenix area, and we understand the challenges that come with desert pests. For the best pest control in Queen Creek, Gilbert, Chandler, or anywhere in the metro, we’re here to help protect your home and your peace of mind.
