Little Black Ants are Swarming My Home in Nashville. What Should I Do?

black ants

black antsNashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN

You see them congregating in your driveway or crawling back and forth on the sidewalk. Maybe you even find them in your basement, crawlspace or – worse – the living area of your home. If you see small black ants swarming your home in Nashville, you naturally are going to be concerned. What is there specifically to cause worry? We explore that topic in greater detail, today on the blog.

Black ants can be mistaken for carpenter ants

We have told you before about carpenter ants and the risks that they pose. Black ants may be mistaken as carpenter ants, although carpenter ants are bigger – ranging between a half inch and 5/8 of an inch in length – while little black ants usually are just 1/16 of an inch long.

What type of black ants might you be seeing on your property?

  • Little black ants create colonies that can be quite large with several queens. If you try to treat a colony of little black ants yourself with bug spray, it is likely the colony will just dive to protect itself into two or more colonies. The good news is that little black ants are just a nuisance. They pose no threat to people, animals or property.
  • Odorous house ants: These ants can be similar in size to little black ants but never grow as big as even the smallest carpenter ant. You will know this type of ant if you see it; when these ants get squashed, they emit a foul odor. This can become a real problem if these ants infiltrate your garage, porch or home, as they tend to swarm a space in large numbers.
  • Pavement ants: These ants are usually a dark brown in color but are most likely black. This species of ant can infest structures, whether they are buildings or inside walls. The smallest crack in a foundation wall can become the open door that allows pavement ants to build an entire colony inside the walls of your home. Finding a colony of pavement ants and then treating it can be a challenge, especially for a novice.

Pest control prevention for ant infestations in Nashville and Murfreesboro in Tennessee

Living in the temperate climate of Middle Tennessee, you should know that ants remain active for the majority of the calendar year, starting as early as March and remaining active as late as October. No matter what type of ant you are seeing and experiencing at your home, the team at Ameri Care Services can help. Our pest control technicians can identify the specific species of ant and then compose an individualized treatment plan. We also can use preventive treatments to form a protective barrier around your home, serving as a deterrent to ants and other types of pests.

We understand that ants can be stressful no matter where you see them or what type of ant you are dealing with at your home. To find out more about our services for ants or any other type of pest, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Just call (615) 893-7111 or complete our online contact form.