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Spring is blooming here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and with that comes…ants! Pesky, persnickety ants! Ants are one of the most common insects to invade your Murfreesboro home, and can quickly become a nuisance. Whether you live in a house or a third-story apartment, a large number of ants in your space can certainly throw you off guard when they seem to appear out of nowhere!
At All-American Pest Control, we understand the challenges of dealing with ants. In this article, we discuss the species commonly found in Murfreesboro, why they pose a problem, effective prevention tips, and the importance of ongoing pest control services to keep ants at bay.
Types of Ants Found in Murfreesboro
In Murfreesboro and throughout middle Tennessee, several ant species are known to invade homes and properties during the spring months. Here are the ant species you can expect to find in Murfreesboro:
Odorous House Ants
These small brown-black ants are also known as “sugar ants.” Odorous house ants show a strong preference for sweet, sugary substances, but will also enter homes through tiny cracks in search of water or other food sources. They emit a foul odor when crushed or disturbed, described as “blue cheese” or “rotten coconuts,” which is where their name derives.
Argentine Ants
These ants are slightly bigger than odorous house ants and similar in color. Argentine ants form large colonies and are skilled at foraging for food. They can quickly become a nuisance in homes due to the size of the colonies and may nest in wall voids if necessary. Similar to the odorous house ant, they emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, and have a liking for sweet treats.
Little Black Ants
Like their name suggests, little black ants are the smallest we typically see in our area, measuring just 1.5 mm in length. They tend to forage for food outdoors along the edges of sidewalks or home foundations but might make their way inside looking for any food, from sweets, to meats, veggies, or other insects.
Pavement Ants
You guessed it, pavement ants are usually found outside forming nests along sidewalks, in driveway cracks, and underneath foundations or slabs. They can, however, sometimes get indoors and although they aren’t a dangerous species, they can contaminate food sources.
Carpenter Ants
These nocturnal ants are one of the largest species you’ll see in Murfreesboro. While they don't consume wood like termites, carpenter ants can still cause structural damage by nesting in wooden structures, especially where there has been water damage.
They leave behind a telltale sign of infestation, which is the frass or discarded “sawdust” refuse that they create when creating their new home. This frass is coarse in texture, often containing insect parts, which is a major clue as to what you’re dealing with.
Fire Ants
Known for their painful stings, fire ants can pose a danger to humans and pets, especially those who are allergic to their venom. Fire ant mounds (raised nests) are found in flat, sunny outdoor areas. They typically stay outdoors and eat a wide variety of seeds, insects, and fallen food materials, but are also known to trail inside if there is access or food and water is scarce. They can also cause structural damage to electrical wires and insulation.
Pharaoh Ants
While spotting these ants is rare, if you see a trail of small (2mm) yellowish-brown ants, give your pest control company a call. Pharoah ants are a troublesome pest that can cause larger issues if not addressed.
Due to their behavior in how they build colonies, pharaoh ants are known to breed throughout the year inside occupied buildings and are especially known for infesting places that handle food like hotels, hospitals, and schools.
How to Prevent Ants in Your Murfreesboro Home
Now that we know some of the common ants to be on the lookout for, here are some things you can do to prevent ant infestations in your Murfreesboro home. Consider dedicating some of your spring cleaning to do the following:
Seal Potential Ant Entry Points
Repair any cracks, crevices, or gaps in doors, windows, and walls to prevent ants from marching into your home. This is particularly helpful if you’ve had ant issues in the past and know some of the tiny cracks they can enter through!
Keep Food Locked Up Tight
Store food in the fridge or airtight containers. If food is left on the counter or in pantries, always clean up spills as they happen.
Keep Your Home Clean
Keep your home clean and free of crumbs, grease, spilled liquids, and other food debris that may attract ants. This will also help deter other pests such as roaches and mice.
Trim back trees and shrubs: Keep any ornamental landscaping trimmed back and away from your home's exterior. This will help prevent ant nesting sites as well as “natural bridges” for ants and any other pests to gain access.
Call All-American Pest Control to Prevent Ants in Your Murfreesboro, TN Home
If you’re finding that your efforts aren’t enough, or if you just want to be proactive in preventing ants this spring, we have the solution for you!
Our Perimeter Plus Pest Control program will help you get rid of ants and keep them away all year long. This effective pest control service will keep over 47 household pests, including ants, out of your home as well as protect you from several outdoor pests that love the warm weather too.
For ant prevention and control in Murfreesboro, fill out our form, call or text us today!