WHAT TO DO ABOUT HOUSEHOLD ANTS

Jeffrey Hahn, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota Extension Service

Phillip Pellitteri, Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin Extension

Introduction
Ants are one of the most common pests in and
around homes in the north central states. Ants are
social insects and are divided up into three castes:
workers, males, and queens (Figure 1).

Figure 2. Typical ant body parts

The reproductive members of the colony are

the males and queens. Males are generally the
same size or larger than the workers, are winged,
Figure 1. Typical ant castes, from left to right: have a small head with proportionally large
queen, winged male, major worker, minor worker eyes. They are produced in older, large colonies
and their sole purpose is to mate with the new
Workers are sterile, wingless females which queens; they die shortly afterwards. Queens are
range in size from 1/20 inch long to about 1/2 the largest members of the colony, often two to
inch long. The workers of some ant species vary three times larger than workers. Queens possess
in size and are divided into major (large) and wings but break them off after mating. They
minor (small) workers. Ants vary in color from have very large abdomens and can live for a
yellow to red to brown and black and various number of years. Males and queens will swarm
combinations of these. Like all insects, ants have (i.e. fly) from their nest to mate. A given species
three distinctive body parts: head, thorax, and will mate during a specific time of the year.
abdomen. All ants have a pair of elbowed (bent) After mating, the female seeks a proper nesting
antennae on the head and a constricted area site and begins a new colony. The presence of
between the thorax and abdomen called the swarming winged ants inside buildings is an
petiole. The petiole has either one or two nodes indication of an ant nest indoors.
(bumps) (Figure 2). Ants are sometimes mistaken for winged
termites that are commonly called swarmers.
Ants differ from termites by having a narrow,
constricted waist, elbowed (bent) antennae, and
hind wings shorter than front wings (Figure 3).
Termites have a more rectangular shaped body can transmit disease organisms, such as
with no constrictions, straight, beaded antennae Staphylococcus.
and four wings of equal size and shape that are
much longer than the body (Figure 4). Termite
wings fall off very easily and are usually found
on the surface from which the termites have Management
emerged. Ants are commonly seen in the open, as
are winged termites when they swarm. But Knowing what species of ant is present helps
termite workers, which are creamy white and to determine the nesting site, food preference,
wingless, avoid light and are rarely seen unless and the best method of management. In most
disturbed. cases, the most effective, permanent solution is
to find and treat the nest; queens must be killed
to properly eliminate a colony.
Nonchemical methods
Trying to discourage ants from invading the
home can be frustrating. Proper food storage and
waste management will reduce the food that
often attracts workers indoors. Clean all kitchen
surfaces, vacuum daily, and rinse recyclable
Figure 3. Winged ant containers before storage. Ant trails can be
temporarily disrupted with a mild solution of
vinegar and water. Sticky barriers using
commercially available materials, such as
Tanglefoot or Stickem, or water moats
containing soapy water, can be used to prevent
ants from reaching plants or other items. Caulk
cracks that ants are using to enter the home.
Outdoors
Figure 4. Winged termite
Many ants enter homes from outside nests as
Ants have a wide variety of nesting habits and they forage for food. To find their nest, follow
food preferences. Some ants build nests in soil, the ants. You can encourage foraging by setting
producing characteristic mounds while others out attractive food. Ants usually take regular
nest in homes behind moldings, baseboards, routes to and from their nest and the food source
countertops, and similar places. Still other ants by establishing a chemical (pheromone) trail.
nest in decaying or moisture damaged wood. The nest may be found by watching where the
Ants feed on different types of food, including ants go; for some ants, such as carpenter ants,
starches, meats, fats, and sweets. Many ants also this works best at night. If the nest is discovered,
feed on honeydew, a sweet liquid produced by it can be treated or removed (in the case of
aphids and scale insects. Knowledge of ant food rotted wood).
and nesting preferences is very important in Common insecticides for treating ant nests in
controlling ant colonies. the lawn are listed below. Be sure to select a
Damage from ants varies. Most are primarily a product that is labeled for treating lawns:
nuisance and cause little damage. Some, such as ! permethrin as a liquid or granules
Pharaoh ants, may infest food. Others, like ! carbaryl (e.g. Sevin) as a liquid or
carpenter ants, can weaken wood in structures. granules
Generally, there are no disease problems ! bifenthrin as granules
associated with ants. In hospitals, Pharaoh ants ! cyfluthrin as granules
! acephate as a liquid

What to Do About Household Ants 2

(Note: Liquids work best if they are drenched in. insecticidal dust (be sure it is labeled for indoor
You may need 1/2 gallon or more of mixed use). These products may come in ready to use
material to treat large nests.) applicators. If not, use a plastic squeeze bottle or
some type of flexible plastic container with a
Retreatment of nest sites may be necessary if
tube tip to apply the insecticide. Fill the
above ground activity resumes after the initial
container about 1/3 or 1/2 full and squeeze a
application.
small amount of dust into the desired location
In cases where the nest is not found, ants can (note: applying too much material will cause
be kept out of the house by applying an ants to avoid contact with the dust). Return the
insecticide barrier around the exterior of the unused insecticide back to its original container
building. Careful observation may reveal the ants and thoroughly clean the applicator.
are entering only through one area of the house;
Common dusts for treating voids, cracks, or
this would allow a spot treatment of that area. If it
crevices are listed below. Be sure to select a
is not clear where the ants are entering, then treat
product that is labeled for indoor household use.
a 2 4 foot wide area around the entire building.
! deltamethrin
This control method is temporary and
! permethrin
retreatments may be necessary.
Another tactic is the use of baits. Workers
Common insecticides for treating the building
feed on the bait and take it back to the nest
exteriors are listed below. Be sure to select a
where they share it with the rest of the colony.
product that is labeled for treating the perimeter
An advantage of baits is that they are delivered
of buildings’ exteriors:
into inaccessible areas that insecticide sprays
! permethrin as a liquid or granules
cannot reach. However, baits act slowly and may
! bifenthrin as a liquid
take several weeks to several months to
! carbaryl as a liquid or granules
eradicate a colony. Ant baits sold in stores for
! cyfluthrin as granules
public use are generally labeled for many
! deltamethrin as a dust
common household ants, although ants will not
be equally attracted to all baits. It is important to
CAUTION: Read all label directions carefully identify what ant species is present so the
before buying insecticides and again before appropriate bait can be used.
applying them. Information on the label
should be used as the final authority. Common insecticides in ant baits are listed
below. Be sure to select a product that is labeled
Outdoor nests can be very difficult to for ants.
eliminate without chemicals. Using water to flood ! abamectin
nests is usually not effective. Use of gasoline also ! fipronil
is ineffective and dangerous and causes ! sulfluramid (may be listed as N-ethyl
environmental pollution. Repeated drenchings of Perfluorooctanesulfonamide)
a nest with an insecticidal soap solution is ! disodium octaborate
sometimes effective in forcing an ant colony to ! orthoboric acid
relocate. There is no scientific evidence that ! propoxur (e.g. Baygon)
spearmint gum, red pepper, orange peels, or Spraying foraging ants is only temporary and
various herbs repel ants effectively. Remember has little impact on the nest. Spraying may be
you must kill or relocate the queen to manage an useful for seasonal ant problems, when ants
ant colony. enter from outside nests.
Indoors Common aerosol ready to use insecticides for
treating ants found indoors are listed below. Be
When possible, find the nest and treat it with
sure to select a product that is labeled for indoor
an insecticide. When the nest is concealed, e.g.
household use.
behind a wall, it may be necessary to drill small
! permethrin as an aerosol or a liquid
holes, about 1/8 inch diameter, and apply an

What to Do About Household Ants 3

 ! bifenthrin as liquid applying them. Information on the label
! cyfluthrin as a liquid should be used as the final authority.
! cypermethrin as an aerosol
! deltamethrin as a liquid Pest management professionals have the
! tralomethrin as an aerosol or a liquid training and experience to deal with household
ant problems. Contact a reputable pest
CAUTION: Read all label directions carefully management company if you want to have your
before buying insecticides and again before ant problem handled by a professional.

Descriptions of Common and Less Common Household Ants

The following descriptions, biologies, and management tactics of ants you may encounter
can help you identify and understand their proper treatment. Ant identification can be
challenging; if you encounter an ant that you do not recognize, submit it to someone who can
properly identify it.

Common Household Ants

Carpenter Ants, Camponotus spp. are black, or red and black; workers range in
size from 3/16 to 1/2 inch. Colonies consist of
major and minor workers. Carpenter ants have
the following characteristics: 1) petiole with one
node and 2) a thorax with an evenly rounded
upper surface (workers only) [compare with
field ants].
Foods: Other insects, both living and dead. They
also feed on meats or sweets, including
honeydew, syrup, honey, sugar, and jelly.
Carpenter ants DO NOT eat wood; they chew
Carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus wood into sawdust in the process of creating
galleries and tunnels.
Nesting Sites: All types of moist or rotting
wood, including trees or tree stumps, indoors
behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks,
showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic
beams, and under subfloor insulation; in hollow
spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall
voids; and in soft polystyrene and other forms of
insulation. Carpenter ant tunnels are clean and
smooth, making the wood appear that it has been
sandpapered. In contrast, termite tunnels are not
Carpenter ant, Camponotus nearcticus
clean looking, but are packed with dirt like
material.
Description: Some species of carpenter ants are
the largest ants in the north central states. They

What to Do About Household Ants 4

Mating Swarms: April through June. Management: Check for and treat nests in the
Occasionally swarms may emerge indoors lawn and other nearby areas. If nests are not
earlier during late winter on warm, sunny days. obvious, treat the building perimeter with a
residual spray. Commercial baits available to the
Management: The best treatment is to apply an
public may be effective.
insecticide directly into the nest. It is also
important to replace damaged or decayed wood,
and if possible to eliminate any moisture
problems. Baits may also be effective if applied Larger Yellow Ants, Acanthomyops
where ant activity is seen. interjectus
For additional information on carpenter ants,
see also Carpenter Ants, University of
Minnesota Extension Service Publication FO-
01015.

Cornfield Ants, Lasius alienus

Larger yellow ant

Description: These ants give off a pleasant

citronella or lemon smell when crushed. Yellow
ants are yellowish to reddish brown; workers are
about 3/16 inch long. Workers do not come
indoors for food and are rarely seen. They are
Cornfield ant
most commonly seen when the reproductives
swarm in homes. Queens are about 5/16 inch
Description: Cornfield ants are very abundant long and often reddish and darker. Yellow ants
outdoors. They are light to dark brown; workers have the following characteristics: 1) petiole
are about 1/10 inch long. Cornfield ants have the with one node, 2) thorax is uneven in profile
following characteristics: 1) petiole with one (workers only), and 3) compound eye is small in
node, 2) thorax is uneven in profile (workers proportion to head.
only), 3) relatively large eyes compared to head,
and 4) first antennal segment (also called scape) Foods: Honeydew, rarely other sweets.
is not considerably longer than head [compare Nesting Sites: In soil under stones, logs, bricks,
with false honey ants]. patio blocks, concrete and other concealed areas.
Foods: Sweets, including honeydew (they are They also can nest in rotting wood. Yellow ants
sometimes found feeding on honeydew from can nest in and around foundation walls and in
insects infesting houseplants) and live and dead soil under buildings on slab construction.
insects. Workers may be seen throwing out dirt or
cement particles, but they do not damage
Nesting Sites: In soil, forming small craters, masonry or wood.
especially in lawns. They also nest in soil under
stones, bricks, sidewalks and other concealed Mating Swarms: April through September.
sites, as well as rotting logs and stumps. They Swarms are also common indoors during winter
rarely nest in homes. if ants are nesting under heated concrete slabs.

Mating Swarms: July through September, Management: Eliminate winged yellow ants by
especially on sunny afternoons. physical means, e.g. with a vacuum, or by hand.
Large numbers can be treated with an
application of an insecticide that is labeled for

What to Do About Household Ants 5

flying insects, such as pyrethrins; these products tropical origins, they do not survive outdoors.
are found in aerosol ready to use containers. They take advantage of their small size and nest
Detection of yellow ants nesting under concrete in a wide variety of small spaces, cracks and
slabs is difficult and control is rarely practical or crevices, including behind countertops,
justified. baseboards, in wall voids, and many other small
voids. They often nest near dark, warm sites and
near sources of moisture. Pharaoh ant nests are
Pharaoh Ants, Monomorium very difficult to find.
pharaonis Mating Swarms: Pharaoh ants, unlike most
ants, do not have a mating swarm but produce
new nests through a process called budding.
When the colony becomes too large or is under
stress, a group of workers take brood (i.e. larvae
and pupae) and move to a new site. One or more
queens often go with them to the new nest.
Management: Elimination of Pharaoh ants is
difficult and the service of an experienced pest
management service is recommended.
Insecticides can cause Pharaoh ants to bud,
creating new colonies. The use of baits is
Pharaoh ant
strongly recommended. Baits available to the
public usually are not effective against Pharaoh
ants. Professional pest management services
Pharaoh ants are an imported species,
have the experience and access to effective baits
probably from the tropical regions of Africa.
needed to successfully eliminate Pharaoh ants.
They have readily spread through the world
along commerce routes. Although they can nest
in any heated building in the north central states,
Pharaoh ants are most commonly found in Thief Ants, Solenopsis molesta
hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and
apartments. Seeing persistent numbers of very
small ants during winter suggests Pharaoh ants.
Description: Pharaoh ants are light yellow to
red with their thorax darker colored; workers are
about 1/16 inch long. Pharaoh ants have the
following characteristics: 1) petiole with two
nodes, 2) thorax lacking spines, 3) 12 segmented
antennae, 4) antennal club composed of 3
segments, and 5) normal sized compound eyes
in proportion to the head [compare with thief
ants]. It is best to have these ants identified by Thief ant
an expert.
Foods: They feed on a wide variety of foods, Also referred to as grease ants, thief ants are
especially those containing grease or fats. They the smallest household ants in the north central
also feed on many types of sweets, dead insects, states. Thief ants are so named because of their
toothpaste, soap and other foods that other ants habit of nesting near the nests of larger ants and
rarely attack. They often seek out water in stealing their larvae. They often have well
kitchens and bathrooms. defined trails.

Nesting Sites: Pharaoh ants nest strictly indoors Description: Thief ants are easily confused with
in the north central states; because of their Pharaoh ants. Identification is very important

What to Do About Household Ants 6

before pest management steps are taken and it is Pavement Ants, Tetramorium
best to have these ants identified by an expert. caespitum
Thief ants are yellow to light brown; workers
measure about 1/20 inch long. They have a
tendency to curl up when they die. Thief ants
have the following characteristics: 1) petiole
with two nodes, 2) thorax lacking spines, 3) 10
segmented antennae, 4) antennal club composed
of 2 segments, and 5) small compound eyes in
proportion to their head [compare with Pharaoh
ants].
Foods: Prefer protein and greasy foods, such as Pavement ant
meats, cheese and peanut butter, and nuts, but
will also eat sweets. They are small enough to Description: Pavement ants are reddish brown
enter almost any type of food container. to black; workers are about 1/8 inch long.
Nesting Sites: Thief ants commonly nest in soil Pavement ants have the following
and rotting wood. They can nest indoors in small characteristics: 1) petiole with two nodes, 2)
spaces, such as under countertops, in wall voids, head with furrows (lines) running vertically (top
cabinet voids, behind baseboards. Nests are to bottom), and 3) a pair of spines on the
often difficult to find. posterior portion of the thorax [compare with
acrobat ants].
Mating Swarms: July through September.
Foods: Variety of foods including meats, pet
Management: Thief ants are especially food, sweets, bread, nuts, and insects.
common during mid to late summer when they
enter homes from outside nests. Locating and Nesting Sites: In soil under sidewalks,
treating nests is not practical. Treat the building driveways, stones, logs and other concealed
perimeter when thief ants are foraging into sites. Also commonly found under homes with
buildings from outside nests. When nests are concrete slab construction; ants enter homes
located indoors, baiting is the most effective through cracks in the concrete.
management method. Use commercially Mating Swarms: May through July. When the
available baits effective against grease-feeding nest is under a heated slab foundation, swarms
ants. can also occur indoors during winter.
Management: Look for and treat outdoor nests.
When the nest is not found, treat the building
perimeter with a residual spray. When pavement
ants are nesting under heated concrete slabs,
baiting is the most effective control tactic. Use
commercially available baits effective against
grease-feeding ants.

What to Do About Household Ants 7

Less Common Household Ants
False Honey Ants, Prenolepis imparis
Field Ants, Formica spp.

Field ant
False honey ant
Description: Field ants can easily be confused
with carpenter ants but they are not as likely to
Description: False honey ants are light to dark
forage indoors. They are black, brown, red, or
brown; workers are about 1/8 inch long. False
combinations of these colors. Workers range in
honey ants have the following characteristics: 1)
size from about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Colonies
petiole with one node, 2) thorax is uneven in
consist of major and minor workers. Field ants
profile, looks ‘pinched’ (workers only), and 3)
have the following characteristics: 1) petiole
first antennal segment (also called scape) is
with one node, 2) thorax is uneven in profile
considerably longer than head [compare with
(workers only), and 3) distinct simple eyes
cornfield ants].
(ocelli) on top of its head [compare with
carpenter ants]. Foods: Prefer sweets, especially honeydew.
Foods: Household sweets and honeydew. They Nesting Sites: In soil in open, well shaded sites.
also eat live and dead insects. Their nests are rarely concealed under logs,
stones, etc. They do not nest indoors.
Nesting Sites: Build mounds in soil in exposed
areas. Some species make extremely large Mating Swarms: April through May.
mounds. They do not nest inside buildings. Sometimes they may also be found indoors
during winter.
Mating Swarms: July through September.
Management: Check for ant mounds in open,
Management: Look for and treat outdoor nests.
shaded areas and treat. If nests aren’t found,
Multiple treatments may be necessary. When the
treat the building perimeter with a residual
nest is not found, treat the building perimeter
spray. Use commercially available baits
with a residual insecticide.
effective against sweet-feeding ants.

What to Do About Household Ants 8

Odorous House Ants, Tapinoma Acrobat Ants, Crematogaster spp.
sessile

Acrobat ant
Odorous house ant
Acrobat ants get their name from their habit
Description: Odorous house ants give off an of holding their abdomen over their thorax,
unpleasant smell when crushed; some people especially when they have been disturbed.
compare it to rotten coconuts. Odorous house Description: Acrobat ants range in color from
ants are brown to dark brown; workers are about yellow brown to black; workers are about 1/8
1/10 inch long. Odorous house ants have the inch long. Acrobat ants have the following
following characteristics: 1) petiole with one characteristics: 1) petiole with two nodes; the
node; node is hidden by abdomen, and 2) thorax petiole is attached to the top of the abdomen, 2)
is uneven in profile (workers only). head lacks distinctive furrows (lines), 3) a pair
Foods: Sweets, especially honeydew, and of spines on the posterior portion of the thorax,
insects. When honeydew is in short supply, and 4) heart shaped abdomen [compare to
odorous house ants can forage indoors for pavement ants].
sweets and other foods, including meats. Foods: A wide variety of food, including
Nesting Sites: In soil under stones, boards, patio sweets, meats, and insects.
blocks, mulching plastic, and nearly any other Nesting Sites: Dead or rotted wood, including
object laying on the ground. They can nest in logs, stumps, dead tree branches. They
homes in walls voids and under floors. Odorous occasionally nest in soil under stones. Indoors
house ants do not cause structural damage to they nest in wall voids and rotted wood,
buildings. especially window frames. They do not cause
Mating Swarms: June through July. structural damage to buildings.

Management: Check for outdoor nests, Mating Swarms: July through September.
especially under stones, firewood, bricks, and Management: Check for nests, especially in
other objects; treat any that are found. If nests rotted wood. Remove and destroy infested wood
are not located, treat the building perimeter with when possible. Nests can also be treated with an
a residual spray. Use commercially available appropriate insecticide (do not treat firewood). If
baits effective against sweet-feeding ants. the nest is not obvious, treat the building
perimeter spray with a residual insecticide. For
acrobat ants found indoors in voids, inject an
insecticidal dust. When possible, replace rotted
wood and correct moisture problems.

Phyllis Petersen, editor . Photographs by Don Breneman, design and graphics by John Molstad.
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What to Do About Household Ants 9