Keep your home free of ants with Rottler

Ants.  At one time or another we’ve all seen these tiny insects marching across our floors or foraging on our counters.  These insects are common invaders of homes and are a real nuisance for homeowners in St. Charles, St. Louis and throughout Missouri.  While there are several hundred ant species occurring throughout the United States there are only a small group of ants that tend to invade Missouri homes.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the more notorious house infesting ants.

The odorous house ant is native to our state and is often considered the most common home invading species of ants.  Measuring about 1/8 inch long and dark brown to black in color the odorous house ant is most often recognized by the coconut-like odor it emits when crushed.  Although they feed on honey dew and plant nectar found outdoors, these irritating pests will invade homes in large numbers to find food when their usual supply runs low.  Indoors odorous house ants can be found constructing nests in wall voids, especially around hot water pipes and heaters, in crevices around sinks and cupboards as well as behind siding and stucco. 

Pharaoh ants are another common insect that find their way into Missouri homes.  They are yellowish to orange in color and are approximately 1/16 inch long in length.  Their small size and coloring are perhaps their most identifiable features.  The diet of pharaoh ants consists of foods containing fats, proteins and sweets and they will forage for these items both in their natural surrounding outdoors and inside a home.  When pharaoh ants nest indoors they seek out conditions that are warm or humid and that are in close proximity to food and water.  Accessible areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, under floors and even in furniture are all ideal locations for invading pharaoh ants. 

First introduced by early European colonists pavement ants have since become a regular invader of residential dwellings.   Pavement ant workers are generally about 1/8 inch long and range in color from brown to black.  Although to an untrained eye it may be hard to see, pavements ants feature parallel furrows and ridges on their head and thorax.   Their palate is not exactly refined as they will eat just about anything including other insects, honeydew, seeds and people food.  They do prefer meat and grease when they have the option.  Their nests are commonly located in or under cracks in pavements as well in soil beside driveways and sidewalks.  Inside, however, pavement ants are likely to be found nesting in walls, in insulation and under floors and in the wintertime areas that are near a heat source appeal to these ants. 

If you’ve noticed ants in your home and would like to learn how Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions can help you eliminate ants that have infested your home, please click here or contact us by phone 1-877-ROTTLER.  We offer pest control services for the Mid-Missouri region and take pride in helping Missouri homeowners achieve a pest free home. 

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