Staten Island Ants: Identification, Removal and Prevention

Staten Island is home to many different types of ants, some of which can be quite harmful. It is important to be able to identify the different types of ants that are in your area, as well as know how to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of ants found on Staten Island, as well as how to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back. If you are a resident of this area, you can expect to find the following: 

• Acrobat Ants
• Carpenter Ants
• Fire Ants
• Odorous House Ant

Acrobat Ants

The most common type of ant found on Staten Island is the acrobat ant. These ants are small, black, and have a very distinctive shape. They get their name from their habit of raising their abdomens over their heads when they are threatened. Acrobat ants are not dangerous to humans but can be quite harmful to your home. These ants are attracted to sweets and will often build their nests in wood that has been damaged by water. If you have acrobat ants in your home, you will need to remove them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 

Acrobat Ant Prevention

There are a few different ways to remove acrobat ants from your home. For starters, make sure to keep your home clean and free of food left out as these pests have a great sense of smell. If you are noticing these ants in your home, use a product that contains boric acid. Boric acid is a very effective insecticide and will kill the ants quickly. Another way to remove acrobat ants is to use a bait that contains sugar. The ants will be attracted to the sugar and will take the bait back to their nest where it will kill the entire colony.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants found in North America. These large black ants get their name from their habit of nesting in wood, which they hollow out using their powerful jaws. This pest is compared to a termite but unlike termites that actually eat through your wooden structures, carpenter ants cause damage to homes and other structures by tunneling through wood, and creating paths to feed their colony, which can weaken the overall structure. This is arguably the most destructive ant just because they can cause thousands of dollars to your home if not treated fast. 

Carpenter Ant Prevention

If you are noticing frass or clicking noises inside your walls, these are signs you may have an infestation. There are a few different ways to remove carpenter ants from your home. For starters, make sure to keep your home clean and free of food left out as these pests have a great sense of smell. If you have any firewood, make sure to store it at least 20 feet away from your home to make sure these insects do not have easy access to get inside. Another way to prevent an infestation is access to essential oils. Carpenter ants are repelled from the following scents: 

Fire Ants

Fire ants are one of the most aggressive and dangerous types of ants. These insects are very small, but they pack a powerful punch. If you get stung by a fire ant, it will feel like a burning sensation. Some people may even have an allergic reaction to the sting. Fire ants are red or black in color and they build their nests in the ground. If you have fire ants on your property, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible because they can cause a lot of damage. 

Fire Ant Prevention

There are a few different ways to remove fire ants from your property. One way is to pour boiling water directly onto the nest. This will kill the fire ants and their eggs. Another way is to use a fire ant bait. This is a poison that the ants will take back to their nest and it will kill the entire colony. If you have pets or children, you need to be careful with baits because they can be harmful if ingested. The best way to prevent fire ants from taking over your property is to keep them from getting established in the first place. If you live in an area where fire ants are common, be sure to inspect your property regularly for signs of nests. If you see any fire ants, make sure to remove them right away. You can also treat your yard with an insecticide that will kill fire ants before they have a chance to build a nest. 

Odorous House Ant

These small black ants get their name from the unpleasant smell they give off when crushed. They are a nuisance in homes, kitchens, and bathrooms, where they forage for food. Odorous house ants are not harmful to humans or animals, but they can contaminate food with their bodies and feces. If it is a rainy day and you are noticing small ants around the baseboards of your home, this is a sign that there are entry points they are accessing.

Odorous House Ant Prevention

Odorous house ants are difficult to control because they will quickly establish new colonies when their nest is disturbed. The best way to get rid of odorous house ants is to find the nest and destroy it. This can be difficult because these ants often build their nests in hard-to-reach places like behind walls or under floors. If you can't find the nest, you can try using baits that contain insecticide. To prevent an infestation in the first place, make sure to remove any food sources, seal up entry points, and keep moisture levels down as these ants are attracted to this environment. 

Professional Ant Control

If you have tried all of the methods above and still happen to find any of the following ants around your property, you may have a full-blown infestation that needs professional care. The expert exterminators at Superior Pest Elimination offer same-day ant control so you can make sure these pests don't disturb your property any longer. We strive to offer family-friendly, reduced-risk products so you never have to feel like you or your family is in danger from our work. Our technicians service Staten Island, Middlesex County, and Brooklyn, so make sure to rid your home of ants today!