Ants in Pennsylvania: The Three Most Common Species

Ants are tiny insects that are found all over the world. There are more than 700 species in existence, but in Pennsylvania, you’re most likely to deal with a pest infestation from one of these three: carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Read on to learn about the three most prevalent types of ants in Pennsylvania.

The Most Common Types of Ants in Pennsylvania

Carpenter Ants: also known as sugar ants, these pests mainly chew out tunnels for nesting through old, damp wood. Carpenter ants are beneficial insects in the wild by helping dead and dying trees through the decomposition process, but they’re a problem in homes because they compromise their structural integrity by gnawing away at the wood. These ants are black in color and measure about 5/8″ long.

Odorous House Ants: these brown ants are named for the stench they release when they are crushed or feeling threatened. The strong odor they emit resembles a rotten coconut. Odorous house ants are found where food has been left out: kitchens, picnics, or anywhere else where crumbs have been left behind after a meal. They measure from 1/20th of an inch to 1/8th of an inch long.

Pavement Ants: true to their name, these small ants make their nests in the pavement. You can find them in the cracks and crevices of sidewalks and other paved surfaces, but they have also been known to invade concrete structures like homes and businesses. Pavement ants are dark reddish-brown to black in color and measure approximately 1/8th of an inch in length.

Contact Us About Your Ant Issues Today

The qualified pest control experts at Green Pest Solutions are here to help. Because we’ve dealt with every type of ant infestation, we can treat any problem from big to small. Contact us today at 855-312-7157 for a free estimate.