Types of Ants in Maine
Ants may be little creatures but the role that they play in the environment is not. In Southern Maine, there are several common species of ants that you may encounter in your daily life. Whether you already know about various ant species, or you have yet to learn about ants, this guide is a great tool to help you identify and learn more about common types of ants in Southern Maine:
Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum):
These ants are small, measuring about 2.5 to 4 mm in length. They are typically dark brown or black and have a segmented body. Pavement ants are commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and rocks. They often search for food in homes.
Carpenter Ant (Camponotus spp.):
Carpenter ants are larger in size, ranging from 6 to 12 mm in length. They have a black or reddish-black coloration and can be identified by their rounded thorax and evenly rounded profile. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; however, they tunnel through it to build their nests, causing structural damage to homes.
Odorous House Ant (Tapinoma sessile):
These ants get their name from the unpleasant odor they release when crushed. They are small, measuring about 2.4 to 3.3 mm in length, and are brown or black in color. Odorous house ants are often found trailing along walls or countertops in search of sugary foods.
Little Black Ant (Monomorium minimum):
As their name suggests, little black ants are tiny, measuring only 1.5 to 2 mm in length. They have black bodies that are shiny and can be found in kitchens, pantries, and other areas where food is stored.
Acrobat Ant (Crematogaster spp.):
Acrobat ants are named for their unique behavior of raising their abdomen over their head when disturbed. They are small, measuring about 2.5 to 4 mm in length, and can vary in color from light brown to black. Acrobat ants are typically found nesting in wood and may cause damage to structures.
Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta):
Thief ants are very small, measuring about 1.5 to 2.2 mm in length. They are yellowish-brown in color and have slim bodies. They love to steal food from other ant colonies and often make it a habit. Thief ants are often found nesting in soil or rotting wood.
Common Household Ants
In Maine, common household ants belong primarily to two species and they are two that you may be familiar with as mentioned above: the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) and the pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum). Now let’s dive a little deeper to learn about these tiny but persistent insects, they are a familiar sight to residents throughout the state. Odorous house ants are often recognized by their dark brown to black color and their preference for nesting in moist or decaying wood. They emit a distinctive, sweet, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed, hence their name. While they are generally harmless and do not pose significant health risks, odorous house ants can become a nuisance when they invade kitchens in search of food scraps.
Pavement ants, on the other hand, are dark brown to black ants with light-colored legs, and they tend to build their nests beneath concrete slabs, stones, or pavement cracks—hence their name. These ants are known for their orderly foraging trails and their scavenging behavior around human dwellings. They often seek out sugary or greasy foods in homes, making them another common household pest. While their presence is more of an annoyance than a serious threat, homeowners often seek pest control measures to manage infestations and keep their homes ant-free in the state of Maine.
Encountering Maine Ants
If you find yourself dealing with a significant ant infestation in Southern Maine, taking prompt action is essential. First, start with prevention by keeping your living space clean and food tightly sealed. Remove potential food sources that might attract ants. To address the immediate issue, identify the ant species to determine the most effective treatment strategy, as different ants may require different approaches. For small infestations, using ant baits or non-toxic natural repellents can be a good initial step. However, if the problem persists or worsens, consider consulting a professional pest control service with experience in dealing with Maine’s common ant species.
In Conclusion
If you are dealing with an ant infestation in your home or property, it is recommended to consult with a professional pest control service to determine the best course of action. Green Shield Pest Solutions has highly trained and skilled technicians when it comes to treating ant infestations. Green Shield can assess the situation, recommend appropriate measures, and apply safe and targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation, ensuring your home remains ant-free. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 207-815-1003 to get something scheduled, we are happy to rid you of your Maine ant problem.