Orange Ant Control

Common Types of Ants in Southern California

There are more than 12,000 species of ants worldwide. In the United States, there are more than 700 different types of ants, and they can be found in every state. Some of the most common types of ants that invade homes include carpenter ants, fire ants, and Argentine ants.

Argentine Ants: Argentine ants are light to dark brown in color and are about 1/8 of an inch long. They are one of the most common types of ants in Orange, CA and throughout Southern California. Argentine ants typically invade homes in search of food and water. They are typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where there is a lot of moisture. Argentine ants are not known to cause any structural damage, but they can be a nuisance. They live in large colonies and can quickly take over your home. If you see a line of ants marching across your floor, it’s likely that you have an Argentine ant infestation.

Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are large, dark-colored ants, often measuring between 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood but excavate it to create smooth, clean galleries for nesting, which weakens wooden structures over time. These ants invade homes in search of food and moisture, particularly during warmer months. Carpenter ants are commonly found in wooded areas but can also be attracted to homes with damp, decaying wood or poor ventilation. Inside homes, they typically nest in walls, hollow doors, insulation, and wooden beams, preferring moist areas near leaks or condensation. Although their damage is usually less severe than termite damage, carpenter ants can still cause significant structural harm if left unchecked.

Fire Ants: Fire ants are small, reddish-brown in color, ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 inch in length, known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. They invade homes primarily in search of food and water. Fire ants build large mound nests in soil, often in sunny areas like lawns and gardens. When they invade homes, they can nest in walls, under floors, and around electrical equipment. Fire ants stings can also pose health risks to humans and pets. 

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Ants are social insects that live in large colonies. There can be hundreds or even thousands of ants in a single colony. If you have an ant infestation, you may see ants crawling around your home. In addition to seeing ants, there are other signs that you may have an ant problem, including:

• Small piles of dirt or sawdust: If you have a carpenter ant infestation, you may find small piles of dirt or sawdust near wooden structures in your home. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they do burrow into it to create their nests. As they burrow into the wood, they create small piles of dirt or sawdust.
• Ant trails: Ants live in large colonies and are constantly searching for food and water. When they find a food source, they will leave a trail of pheromones to let other ants know where the food is. If you see a line of ants marching across your floor, it’s likely that you have an ant infestation.
• Ant nests: Some types of ants nest outdoors, while others nest indoors. If you have an ant infestation, you may find an ant nest near your home. Ant nests can be found in a variety of different places, including under rocks, in tree stumps, and in the walls or foundations of your home.

For more information about our ant control services in Orange, CA, or to schedule an inspection, contact us at (866) 827-1727 today!