Common Ants on Long Island and How to Prevent Them

You know that when spring rolls around, it’s time to start looking out for ants. But there are many kinds of ants on Long Island, so how are you supposed to know which ones to watch for? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the common ants found on Long Island and provide you with effective strategies to prevent them from invading your home.

Long Island Ants

Long Island’s mild and humid climate is incredibly conducive to ants, leading to a diverse array of species. Here are some of the most common ones you might encounter:

• Acrobat Ant: These ants are named for their ability to raise their abdomen over their thorax and head, resembling an acrobat.
• Argentine Ant: Known for their large colonies and rapid reproduction, Argentine ants can quickly become a nuisance in homes.
• Carpenter Ant: Often mistaken for termites, carpenter ants can cause structural damage as they excavate wood to build their nests.
• Citronella Ant: These ants emit a lemon-like scent when crushed, hence their name. They typically nest in soil or under debris.
• Field Ant: Field ants are commonly found outdoors but may venture indoors in search of food sources.
• Little Black Ant: These small ants are often seen trailing along kitchen countertops and pantry shelves in search of sweets and proteins.
• Odorous House Ant: Named for the foul odor they emit when crushed, odorous house ants are attracted to sugary substances.
• Pavement Ant: Pavement ants nest beneath sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, making them a common sight around homes.
• Pharaoh Ant: These tiny ants are notorious for their ability to establish colonies in difficult-to-reach areas, such as wall voids and electrical outlets.
• Thief Ant: Thief ants are known for stealing food from other ant colonies and are often found in close proximity to larger ant species.

How to Prevent Ants in Your Home

Want to know the best ant control method? It’s prevention. Yes, it’s always easier to prevent ants in your home than to get rid of them once they’re already there. So, we’ve put together some ant prevention tips. Keep in mind that although ant species are different, they are for the most part motivated by the same things: finding food, water, and shelter.

Here are some simple things you can do to prevent ants in your house:

• Keep your kitchen clean by wiping down countertops, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up spills.
• Store food in airtight containers like Tupperware and sealed bags to prevent ants from gaining access to potential food sources.
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and your foundation to limit potential entry points to your home.
• Trim vegetation away from the perimeter of your home to eliminate potential ant highways.
• Dispose of garbage regularly and keep outdoor trash bins clean and tightly sealed.

How Do Ant Infestations Start in the Home?

Ant infestations often start with a single ant scouting for food and water resources. Once they find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave a pheromone trail that tells other ants to follow and join. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the prevention tips mentioned above – because it all starts with one ant!

Ant Control and Prevention Services on Long Island

Although prevention is the best method of ant control, sometimes your best efforts are unsuccessful, and ants still find a way into your home. When that happens, your best bet for a prompt and hassle-free solution is to call a professional ant control expert. 

Suburban Exterminating is here to help. With our expertise in dealing with ant infestations on Long Island, you can trust us to eliminate the problem and provide you with peace of mind. Don’t let ants take over your home – contact us today for effective ant control solutions.