Identify & Learn More About Ants
Medium Risk
Persistent social insects that form organized colonies and establish highways through your home
Call Athena Pest Control Immediately if:
You see large trails of ants marching through your home
You discover winged ants (swarmers) inside your property
You find wood shavings or sawdust near wooden structures
Multiple ant colonies are visible around your foundation
Identification Guide
Size
1/16 to 1 inch in length
Key Features
Three distinct body segments (head, thorax, abdomen) connected by narrow waist, bent (elbowed) antennae, six legs
Common Species
Carpenter Ants
Large, black, found in wood structures
Fire Ants
Reddish-brown, aggressive, painful sting
Pavement Ants
Dark brown/black, found near concrete
Argentine Ants
Small, attracted to sweet substances
Where You'll Find Ants
Wall voids, under appliances, behind cabinets, in insulation, around pipes and utilities
Under stones, in mulch, around foundations, in tree stumps, near water sources
Visible trails, small piles of dirt/debris, wood shavings, discarded wings, sweet/musty odors
Ant Prevention Tips
Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs immediately, don’t leave pet food out overnight
Fix leaky pipes, eliminate standing water, ensure proper drainage around foundation
Caulk cracks around windows and doors, trim vegetation away from exterior walls
Regularly clean surfaces, sweep floors, use sealed garbage containers
Seasonal Activity
Ant activity varies throughout the year, with peak periods during warmer months:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
April through September when temperatures are warm and food sources are abundant
Treatment Difficulty
DIY Effectiveness: ⭐⭐ (Low) – Temporary solutions often drive ants to relocate rather than eliminate colonies
Why Professional Treatment Works: Ant colonies can contain thousands of individuals with complex underground networks. Professional treatment targets the entire colony structure, including the queen, using specialized baits and targeted applications that DIY methods cannot match.
Expected Timeline: 2-4 weeks for complete colony elimination with professional treatment
Myth Busters
Myth: Cinnamon and coffee grounds repel ants permanently
Truth: These may provide temporary deterrence but don’t eliminate colonies
Myth: Killing visible ants solves the problem
Truth: Worker ants represent less than 10% of the colony population
Myth: Ants only come out in dirty homes
Truth: Ants seek water and shelter, not just food crumbs
