Most Common Ant Species in Fort Worth Homes
Understanding which ants are invading your home can make a big difference in controlling them effectively. In Fort Worth, the most frequently seen species include:
Odorous House Ants
These tiny, dark brown to black ants are notorious for the foul, rotten-coconut-like odor they release when crushed. They often form long foraging trails to kitchen counters or pantries for sweets and proteins.
Pharaoh Ants
Tiny, light yellow or reddish ants that reproduce quickly. Pharaoh ants are sneaky and tricky to eliminate because they establish multiple colonies throughout a home. They’re especially attracted to sugary foods and greasy leftovers.
Carpenter Ants
Larger than most household ants, carpenter ants are usually black or dark brown. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but burrow into it to create nests, often in damp or decaying areas of your home.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are small, light to dark brown ants that are very social and and form large colonies. They are notorious for invading homes in search of food and water. They love searching for food and water inside homes, with a particular taste for sweets and proteins. Once they set up indoors, they can be tough to get rid of. Argentine ants often follow long trails through your kitchen or bathroom, and because they spread quickly, professional treatment is usually the most effective way to keep them under control.
Acrobat Ants
Named for how they raise their abdomens over their heads when threatened, acrobat ants are tiny but persistent invaders. They often nest in moist or decaying wood, behind walls, or under flooring, and are sometimes confused with carpenter ants. While they rarely cause structural damage like their larger relatives, their presence inside homes can indicate hidden moisture issues and make them a nuisance.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are easy to spot with their reddish-brown color and large mounds in yards—and yes, their stings really hurt. While they usually stay outside, workers can wander indoors looking for food or water. They can be a risk to kids, pets, and adults, so it’s best to deal with them carefully and treat any infestations promptly.
Understanding which type of ant is invading your home makes a big difference. Some, like pharaoh ants, are tricky to get rid of and usually need professional help, while others can sometimes be managed at home if you catch them early.
3 Reasons Why Ants Move Indoors
1. Seeking Shelter
Ants have surprisingly delicate nests. Heavy summer rain, yard work, or even a misstep on their anthill can destroy their home. When that happens, the colony needs a new safe location, and your home can look like a perfect option. Warm, dry, and protected from predators, your walls, attic, or baseboards are ideal real estate for these pests.
The tricky part is that many ant species set up shop where you can’t see them. Spraying the ants you notice on your counter might make them disappear temporarily, but it doesn’t address the hidden colony. Professional pest control is usually necessary to target the entire colony, not just the ants you see marching across your kitchen floor.
2. Food and Water Sources
Even if your home looks clean to you, ants have an extraordinary ability to find food and water. Tiny crumbs, spills, pet food, and even moisture from leaky pipes or sinks are enough to attract them. Once a scout ant finds a source, it leaves a chemical trail for the rest of the colony, and suddenly you’re dealing with dozens of ants following the path.
Limiting access to food and water is one of the best ways to discourage ants from sticking around:
- Wipe down countertops and tables after every meal
- Sweep and vacuum floors regularly
- Keep pet food in sealed containers
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and condensation issues
- Store pantry foods in airtight containers instead of open boxes or bags
While these habits help prevent ants, they rarely eliminate a colony once it’s already inside your home.
3. Seasonal Activity
By late summer and early fall, ant colonies are bustling. Worker ants are running around nonstop, trying to keep the colony fed. That’s why homeowners often notice a sudden surge of ants indoors. They’re not just wandering around but on a mission to stock up before the cooler months.
Knowing this can help you get ahead of the problem. Keeping your home clean and sealing up potential entry points before colonies get too big can prevent a frustrating infestation.
Practical Tips to Keep Ants Out
Here are some additional steps beyond cleaning that can make your home less attractive to ants:
- Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Install door sweeps to prevent ants from entering under doors.
- Landscape Wisely: Keep mulch and vegetation away from your home’s foundation. Trim branches that touch your house.
- Remove Attractants: Avoid leaving trash or compost piles too close to your home. Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Monitor Early: Set up ant bait stations outside to catch ants before they make their way inside.
Even with these precautions, once ants have moved indoors, controlling them on your own can be frustrating and often ineffective.
Why Choose The Pied Piper for Ant Control in Fort Worth
Professional ant control is more than just killing ants. The Pied Piper uses proven strategies to locate the colony, identify the species, and eliminate the problem at its source.
Our team understands the habits and seasonal behavior of local ant species. We don’t just treat the trail on your counter; we target the colony so worker ants stop marching inside. With the right expertise, equipment, and ongoing home pest control, we make sure your ant problem is solved for good so you can enjoy your late summer without worrying about tiny invaders.
Ready to Take Back Your Home from Ants?
Don’t let a few ants turn into a long-term infestation. Contact The Pied Piper today to schedule an inspection and treatment.
This blog was originally published on 08/03/2017; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
