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With warmer temperatures, now is the time for seasonal pests to begin appearing inside homes. And if you’ve already spotted a trail of tiny insects invading your kitchen, you’ll probably be wondering how to get rid of ants for good.While these critters are incredibly small, ants can become a real nuisance if not dealt with properly. Which is why it can come in handy to know what type of ant you’re dealing with so you can implement the right deterrent methods.Although it’s hard to know exactly what ant species you have (without a magnifying glass), I asked the pest experts if there are certain visual clues to identify the most common ants that invade our homes. And more importantly, what’s the best way to deter them? So before you get out your trusted repellent solution, know who you’re up against first.Common ants that can invade our homes
Ants crawling over food (Image credit: Shutterstock)While there are several varieties, depending on your state and local climate, these are the more common ant species to look out for.Odorous House Ants These are those tiny black or brown ants commonly found nesting under floor heating, patios, or within the foundations of your home. Odorous house ants tend to have an oval body and are also known as ‘sugar ants’, since they are mostly in search of any sweet substance.“These ants can invade in large numbers, nest in structures, and have many nests and multiple queens,” explains Scot Hodges, A.C.E. Certified Entomologist and VP of Professional Development at Arrow Exterminators. “Identifying them can be done by crushing a few and smelling them. They are said to emit a “rotten coconut” odor; however, most people have no perspective of what that smells like. They do emit a distinct odor, so if you crush a few of them and sense that.”Still, pest experts warn you should never squash ants in your home, or else you could be inviting more ants to invade your home. So make it a daily habit to wipe down food spills and countertops immediately, and ensure you store your food correctly.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Carpenter Ants
