What ants are common in the Sacramento Area:

• Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)

  • Small, light to dark brown ants known for forming massive colonies with multiple queens.

  • Highly invasive and often displace native ant species.

  • Commonly found in moist environments and are particularly prevalent in the Sacramento area.

• Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile)

  • Emit a distinct, unpleasant odor when crushed, often described as rotten coconut.

  • Frequently invade homes in search of sugary and greasy foods.

  • Known for their persistent foraging trails in kitchens and pantries.

• Pavement Ants (Tetramorium immigrans)

  • Dark brown to blackish ants that commonly nest under sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations.

  • Recognizable by the small mounds of soil they push up through cracks in pavement.

  • Often enter homes through these cracks in search of food.

• Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

  • Large ants, typically black or red, that nest in wood, potentially causing structural damage.

  • Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but excavate it to create nesting galleries.

  • Prefer moist or decaying wood, making homes with water damage particularly susceptible.

• Pharaoh Ants (Monomorium pharaonis)

  • Tiny, yellow to light brown ants that can be challenging to control due to their tendency to form multiple colonies.

  • Often nest in hidden, warm areas such as wall voids, behind baseboards, and inside appliances.

  • Known to contaminate food and sterile materials, posing health risks in hospitals and homes.

• Thief Ants (Solenopsis molesta)

  • Very small, yellow to light brown ants that often nest near other ant colonies to steal food.

  • Attracted to greasy and high-protein foods, making them common kitchen invaders.

  • Their small size allows them to enter sealed packages and containers.

• Velvety Tree Ants (Liometopum occidentale)

  • Medium-sized ants with a velvety black abdomen and reddish-brown thorax.

  • Typically nest in dead wood and are known for their aggressive behavior when disturbed.

  • Can bite and emit a strong, unpleasant odor as a defense mechanism.

• Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis)

  • Named for their erratic and rapid movement patterns.

  • Small, dark-colored ants that can infest buildings in large numbers.

  • Known to nest in various environments, including under floors and in wall voids.

• Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.)

  • Reddish ants notorious for their painful stings and aggressive behavior.

  • Build large mounds and can pose a threat to humans and animals if nests are disturbed.

  • Less common in Sacramento but present in some areas.

What are ants?

The ant is an insect with three distinct body regions, short antennae, and a defined waist; their size and shape make it easy for most people to identify them. Ants have a very varied diet and eat many of the same foods we do, which is why they are so attracted to the areas we live in or spend our time.

Ants are persistent, frequent invaders of our California properties and pests that we need to take steps against to prevent from taking over our yards and homes. It is difficult to feel comfortable in any space where ants are crawling all around.

Are ants dangerous?

Common invaders of our properties, ants certainly are a nuisance to deal with, difficult to prevent, and challenging to get rid of. But ants are more than just a nuisance; they can be dangerous. Some of the more significant problems an ant infestation can create include:

• Structural damage in and around our homes

• Spreading disease and bacteria over surfaces

• Contaminate food sources in kitchen and pantry areas

• Biting or stinging people and our pets

• Getting into electrical equipment and causing electrical shorts

 

Why do I have an ant problem?

The search for food and water never ends for ants. Ants are social insects, living and working together in large groups; often, a single colony has multiple nesting sites. It is a big job for worker ants to gather enough food to feed all their colony members.

Ants have a great sense of smell and odors from gardens, trash cans, compost bins, pet food bowls, and food prep areas commonly attract these pests to our properties. Once they find a reliable food source, the worker ants will alert other colony members by laying down pheromone trails. Ants are difficult pests to deter from your home once they have discovered a reliable food source.

Where Are Ants Commonly Found?

Ants nest successfully outside in wooded areas, fallen trees, gardens, lawns, fields, and meadows. If given the opportunity, ants will also move into our homes, our temperature-controlled structures provide them with a safe place to nest. Ants are tiny in size and can get into our homes through the smallest cracks and spaces, traveling through the foundation, gaps under doors, vents, and openings around utilities. Once inside, regular nesting spots include behind walls, under floors, inside insulation, attics, and crawlspaces.

How do I get rid of ants?

Don’t try to tackle an ant infestation on your own; take the stress out of ant control by partnering with a local professional. At Guardian Termite Solutions, we offer fast action and comprehensive pest control services that are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and eco-friendly. We are committed to providing long-term solutions that will help you maintain a property that is free of ants and other common household pests.

Don’t share your home with ants for one more day; reach out to Guardian Termite Solutions for effective solutions! If you live in the Greater Sacramento Area and want to learn more about our residential or commercial pest control services, give us a call today (916)706-1440

​

​