Common Types of Ants In North Carolina + Identification Tips
North Carolina is the state of beautiful mountains, beautiful beaches, and everything in between! Due to our warm and humid Summer months, this environment makes the perfect home for all sorts of household pests, but especially ants! In North Carolina, we have quite a few different types of ants, including quite a few that will bite! In this guide, we'll be breaking down the common types of ants in North Carolina, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them!
Common Types of Ants In North Carolina:
Due to the climate, we have quite a few different species of ants in NC, here are some of the most common types you might experience:
Acrobat Ants:
Acrobat ants in North Carolina are most commonly found near water sources, such as creeks or rivers. They get their name from their ability to raise their abdomens over their thorax and head, which is how they are able to distinguish themselves from other ants. They are light brown to black in color and are about 1/4 of an inch long. These are considered some of the most common ants in NC.
Argentine Ants:
Argentine ants in North Carolina are most commonly found in urban areas, as they are drawn to human activity and food sources. They are light brown to black in color and are about 1/8 of an inch long. These ants are considered a nuisance because they often invade homes in search of food. If you are experiencing ants in your kitchen or home, there's a good chance you are dealing with an Argentine ant infestation.
Carpenter Ants:
Carpenter ants in North Carolina are most commonly found near wooded areas, as they build their nests in trees or logs. They are black in color and can be up to 1/2 an inch long. These ants can be troublesome because they will infest homes and other buildings, causing damage as they build their nests.
Fire Ants:
Fire ants in North Carolina are most commonly found in fields and open areas. They get their name from their reddish-brown color and their painful sting. These ants are a nuisance because they build their nests in the ground, which can damage lawns and other landscaping.
Pavement Ants:
Pavement ants in North Carolina are most commonly found near sidewalks, driveways, and other pavement. They are black in color and only grow to be about 1/8 of an inch long. While they are not as damaging as some of the other types of ants, they can still be a nuisance because they will infest homes and other buildings.
Odorous House Ants:
Odorous house ants in North Carolina are most commonly found near homes and other buildings. They get their name from the fact that they release a nauseating odor when crushed. They are black or brown in color and only grow to be about 1/8 of an inch long. These ants are not as damaging as some of the other types of ants, but they can still be a nuisance because they will infest homes and other buildings.
Carpenter Ants:
Carpenter ants in North Carolina are most commonly found near wooded areas and in and around homes. They get their name from the fact that they build their nests in wood, which can damage homes and other buildings. Carpenter ants are black or brown in color and can grow to be up to 1/2 of an inch long. These ants are more damaging than some of the other types of ants because they actively will make their nests in wooded structures such as your home. These are the largest ant species in NC!
Ants That Bite In North Carolina:
There are a few species of ants that bite in North Carolina. The most common being the red fire ant. These are generally found in fields and lawns in large mounds. They are relatively aggressive and will actively bite anyone messing around their mound. If you have children or pets you should be aware of any fire ant infestations around your property!
How To Get Rid Of Ants In North Carolina:
Although there are a few types of ants that will bite you in North Carolina, the majority of ants are simply nuisance pests that are looking for food from your home. Along with this, most ants in NC will be most active during Spring and Summer, so during these times, you need to be extra diligent.
The best way to keep your home ant free is to keep your home clean and tidy:
- Keep your kitchen countertops clean and sanitized
- Keep food and leftovers in airtight containers
- Take out your garbage and recycling on a consistent basis
- Mop and swiffer your floors, and consider using a vinegar-based solution
Most often ants are entering your home in the hunt for food, so if you make it as difficult as possible to find food, ants will simply leave your home alone!
Contact The Professionals
If you're keeping your kitchen clean and you're still dealing with an ant infestation, it's time for you to contact a professional ant extermination service at Triangle Pest Control. Our technicians have years of experience in pest control in North Carolina and we offer same-day service to get you relief from ants quick!
