The Types of Ants in Boston

Our planet is home to more than 12,000 ant species, which include the 3,000 ant species here in the States. Ants aren’t strangers to those of us who live in the Northeast despite the cold winters. These tiny picnic invaders thrive in the summertime when it’s nice and warm outside. When the weather turns colder in Boston, the ants will come inside to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and stay until they’re forced out.

3 Common Ants in Boston

Carpenter Ants

Homeowners often mistake carpenter ants for termites. Both species burrow into wood; however, carpenter ants don’t consume it. They live throughout the Northeast and invade homes and commercial properties in Boston and our surrounding service areas. Carpenter ants cause unsightly holes in wood, bringing down property value across the state.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are small insects and grow to about 1/16 inches in length. You can find them crawling over sidewalks and driveways, building mounds within the cracks and crevices. These insects also invade homes on a regular basis, forming lines along the kitchen floor on their way to the pantry. Pavement ants will build nests in protected areas inside your home, such as behind the baseboards. They’ll also show up around toilets and bathtubs, including garages and basements.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are similar in size to pavement ants and invade houses throughout New England. They’re often found in kitchens and bathrooms, preferring areas with high moisture. These tiny invaders stay near drains and pipes and build nests beneath the lower cabinets where it’s dark and safe. They get their name from the odor in which they produce when they’re crushed.

Professional Ant Control in Massachusetts

Ants are extremely intelligent and strong for their size. In fact, they can easily make it back to their colonies after traveling long distances and carry as much as 50 times their own bodyweight. They’re quick to evade danger and smart enough to avoid certain chemicals.

If you have an ant infestation in your home or somewhere on your property, F&W Pest Control can help with the situation. Our trained technicians specialize in ant control and will eliminate an infestation. We’ll also treat the perimeter of your home and stop invasive ants from invading your living areas.