Ant Identification & Prevention

What You Need To Know About Ants In Baltimore, Maryland

Ants live worldwide, including throughout the United States. Most ant species live in tropical rainforests well away from people. However, as we have expanded our territory and taken over more and more outdoor spaces, ants have learned to live alongside us. Ants are adaptable and can nest almost anywhere, including open fields, the soil in the cracks of pavement, and inside our homes. Over time, ants have become one of the most common pests invading our homes in Baltimore, Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ants

What are ants?

Ants are insects with three distinct body segments, six legs, and short antennae. Below is a list of the most common types of ants in the Baltimore area. 

  • Carpenter ants: Named because they build their nests inside trees or pieces of wood, these ants present additional risks to Baltimore homes.
  • Crazy ants: These ants get their name from the way they move together in an erratic “crazy” pattern.
  • Pavement ants: Also named for their nesting location, these ants tend to nest in the soil found in the cracks of pavement, sidewalks, and next to foundations.
  • Pharaoh ants: Nesting primarily indoors, these ants spread disease and pose significant health risks. 
  • Soil ants: This group of ants prefers to nest in the ground outside of homes and businesses. 

Ants are insects that live together in large groups; they have a complex social structure, with each member tasked with a specific job to help ensure the colony’s success.

Reproductive ants are the only winged ants and the only ants in the colony able to reproduce. Workers ants make up the majority of any ant colony. They are responsible for the daily tasks of nest maintenance, caring for the young ants, and going out and foraging for food. 

Are ants dangerous?

Though most homeowners view ants as a nuisance, many species have the potential to be a danger to people or our property.

The two most dangerous ants in our region are the carpenter ant and the pharaoh ant. When carpenter ants move into our homes to nest, they invade and damage structural wood. Pharaoh ants are dangerous to people; they spread bacteria and pathogens that cause serious illness. In addition, they are a significant threat in hospitals where they infest and contaminate IV lines and patient wounds.

Not all ants pose serious dangers, but an ant infestation should never be ignored. Ants contaminate food and spread bacteria to surfaces. Some species produce foul odors or can bite or sting. Always contact a local pest control professional to identify and remove the ants that have found their way onto your property!

Why do I have an ant problem?

Ants are most problematic in Baltimore in the spring and summer when the temperatures are warmest, and there is plenty of food for them to find. However, homeowners need to be aware that ants are a year-round threat. Our temperature-controlled homes allow these pesky pests to remain active throughout the year.

Ants are also a problem on our properties because our homes offer these scavengers multiple food sources. Ants are omnivores and can consume many of the same foods we do. That means our trash cans, recycling bins, kitchens, pantries, and outdoor eating and cooking areas provide ants with reliable food sources. Anywhere that offers ants food and shelter is a place where ants can succeed.

Where will I find ants?

Our Baltimore yards offer ants various nesting sites. The soil under landscaping ties, woodpiles, leaf piles, and mulch are common places to discover ant nesting sites. Other places ants like to nest include fallen trees, cracks in foundations or pavement, and within the crevices of rock piles.

Though most ants nest outside, they often expand their colonies by building satellite nests. Once ants discover that a home provides continuous access to food and water, they will keep returning and may decide to become permanent residents and build a nest. Places inside houses where ants create their nests include wall voids, crawl spaces, attics, and inside structural wood.

How do I get rid of ants?

Pest control professionals perform effective ant control services that eliminate current issues you are experiencing with these pests and the ongoing services necessary to keep them out of your home in the future.

If you need to get rid of problematic ants from your property, reach out to us at ATC Pest Control. We are a family-owned and operated company that makes your children and pets a priority. We offer high-quality pest control you can count on; we guarantee it! To learn more about our full-service pest control services and how they work to control and prevent ant activity, call us today. When quality counts, COUNT ON US!

How can I prevent ants in the future?

There are several ways to prevent issues with ants on your Baltimore property. Below is a list of our five most helpful ant prevention tips. 

  1. Remove common entry points by caulking gaps in your home’s foundation, repairing damaged siding, and installing weatherstripping and door sweeps.
  2. Maintain a clean kitchen – regularly wash dirty dishes, store food out of reach in airtight containers, and wipe down surfaces daily. 
  3. Regularly vacuum to remove food debris from your house.
  4. Remove common harborage spots from your yard, including leaf piles, woodpiles, and decaying wood.
  5. Repair leaky pipes and fixtures and make sure gutters are directing water away from your home’s exterior. 

For additional ant prevention tips and to learn more about ant and home pest control in Baltimore, please get in touch with us today!

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