Idaho Ants

Ants range in color and size depending on the species, but most are black, red, brown, or yellow and grow to between one eighth and half an inch in length. These social creatures live and work together in large groups, with a single colony having hundreds to hundreds of thousands. A Boise, ID pest professional can help you identify and control ants near your home.

There are many different types of ants living across the country; the following are most problematic for Idaho home and business owners:

• Carpenter ants
• Pharaoh ants
• Little black ants
• Raspberry crazy ants
• Odorous house ants
• Argentine ants
• Pavement ants

Are ants dangerous?

You wouldn’t think something that can be squished by the bottom of your shoe could be dangerous to you, but ants can be dangerous to both people and our properties.

The carpenter ant is dangerous to our structures. When they move inside our homes to nest, they invade structural wood. If not eliminated, the damage they cause can become widespread and costly.

Pharaoh ants are another species considered dangerous. They prefer to nest inside to benefit from our temperature-controlled buildings. Healthcare facilities and any structure that stores or prepares food are especially vulnerable to Pharaoh ants. These ants are especially problematic because they spread dangerous pathogens like streptococcus.

Fortunately, most ants that invade our homes don’t pose huge threats and are mostly unwanted annoyances. However, no ants belong inside our homes because they can spread bacteria and contaminate our food sources.

Why do I have an ant problem?

An ant problem can begin with just a few ants finding their way into your yard, lured by an open trash can or another source of food. Once ants discover a place to forage for food, they will alert other colony members by emitting pheromones and providing a scent trail. Any property that offers sources of food, water, and shelter is fair game.

Where will I find ants?

A single ant colony will typically have multiple nesting sites. All nesting sites need to be found and treated to eliminate ants from your property. Ants will nest both inside and outside our homes.

Where an ant prefers to nest outside can vary by species, but most will choose to nest in damp soil found under things like trees, mulch, leaf piles, landscaping ties, and woodpiles. Carpenter ants differ because they create their nests inside wood, preferring decaying or water-damaged wood.

When ants are nesting in our homes, they usually are found near sources of moisture. Walls voids near heating units and water pipes are some favorite nesting spots. They will also create nests under floors, behind cabinets, and in attics.