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Common Types of House Ants and How to Deter Them


ants crawling on the counter with a big NO sign


Ants love to appear in the warmer weather. They are a good source of food for some birds when outdoors, however they can become a nuisance if they take over your living space, and some can even cause significant damage.


We’re here to help you identify the different types of house ants and how to prevent or deter them.


  1. Pavement Ants: Brown or black. 3-4mm in size. Nest in soil, between walls, under house slabs and patio slabs. Attracted to sweet material, insects, grease, oils.

  2. Odorous House Ant: Brown or black. 3mm in size. Nest in soil, under wood or stones, in walls, under floors. Attracted to sweet materials. Emit an odour when crushed.

  3. Thief Ant: Shiny yellow-brown. 1 to 1.5mm in size. Nest in the ground, rotting wood, foundation walls. Attracted to protein as opposed to sweet (food, larvae). Live in large colonies.

  4. Little Black Ant: Dark brown-black. 1.5mm in size. Nest in soil, rotten wood, behind baseboards. Attracted to insects, fruit, vegetables, grease, oils.

  5. Carpenter Ant: Red-brown or black. 6-13mm in size. Nest in moist, humid or rotting areas like doors, wood cabinets, near dishwashers, behind baseboards, door frames, window frames, wall voids, polystyrene insulation, fibreglass. Attracted to insects, plants, household food.


Carpenter ants typically keep their destruction to the damp area but can cause significant structural damage over the long term.



Diagram of different house ants discussed in this blog


The best ways to deter ants: 


  1. Replace rotting wood

  2. Store wood off the ground and away from your house

  3. Clean up spills right away

  4. Regularly clean inside cupboards and appliances

  5. Store food in airtight containers

  6. Properly secure garbage, recycling and compost

  7. Ant traps and insecticide from the hardware store - for mild/transient ant issues. Keep in mind these are not always effective.

  8. Hire an exterminator


For more information:


If you suspect an ant issue - whether indoors or out - calling a licensed exterminator is the best way to get rid of them. We’ll do an inspection to determine the best course of action and treat on the spot. Our industrial strength insecticide is most effective when the ants are out and about, as they track it back to their colony.


Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control services Southwestern Ontario including Woodstock, London, Stratford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Tillsonburg and surrounding areas.


Phone: (519) 421-2677

Text: (289) 987-0390


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