Most ant problems in Pasadena come down to a handful of species, each with its own habits and preferences. Identifying which ant you are dealing with matters, because the most effective approach depends on the species. Here are the ants most often found in and around local homes.
Argentine Ant
The Argentine ant is by far the most common ant in the Pasadena area. These ants are small, about one-eighth of an inch long, and uniformly dark brown. They form long trails of thousands of workers and link their nests together into very large colonies with many queens. Argentine ants are drawn to sweets and moisture, and they account for most of the ant trails homeowners see across counters and floors. Outdoors, they also protect aphids and scale insects on plants in order to feed on the sweet honeydew those pests produce. Because their colonies are so large and interconnected, they are among the most difficult ants to control, and clearing them indoors does little when the colony outside remains intact.
Odorous House Ant
The odorous house ant looks almost identical to the Argentine ant, small and dark, and the two are easily confused. The clearest way to tell them apart is by smell, since the odorous house ant gives off a distinct musty odor that some compare to rotten coconut when it is crushed. Like Argentine ants, they have multiple queens and move readily, relocating their nests in response to weather. They are attracted to sweets and commonly trail through kitchens in search of food. Because they relocate so often, they can seem to appear and disappear without warning.
Pavement Ant
Pavement ants are small and dark brown, and they nest beneath concrete, often under driveways, patios, and the slab of a home. They enter through expansion joints and cracks, frequently appearing in garages and kitchens. Unlike the sweet-seeking Argentine ant, pavement ants are drawn more to greasy and protein-rich foods such as meats and pet food. Because their nests are protected under hardscape, they can be persistent once they are established, and they tend to return along the same routes year after year.
Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants are the largest of the common local ants, ranging from one-quarter to one-half inch long and usually dark in color. They do not eat wood the way termites do, but they tunnel through it to build their nests, preferring wood that has been softened by moisture. Over time this tunneling can cause structural damage, especially in framing, decks, and trim that have been exposed to leaks or poor drainage. A scattering of sawdust-like material near wood, along with larger ants appearing indoors, can signal a carpenter ant nest that warrants prompt attention.
Correctly identifying an ant species is the foundation of effective control, since each one responds to different methods and baits. If ants have become a regular presence around your Pasadena home, BeeCal Pest Management can identify the species and target the colony directly. Request a free quote to get started.