Common Types Of Ants In Scranton
Ants might be tiny, but they can cause some big headaches when they show up inside your home. If you live in Scranton or the surrounding area, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with these persistent pests. In this post, we’ll walk you through a few common types of ants found in Pennsylvania—including the wood-damaging carpenter ant—and share how local weather plays a role in ant activity. You’ll also get a few practical prevention tips to help keep them out.
Common types of ants in Scranton
Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants are among the most problematic ants in the Scranton area. They're large—ranging from ¼ to ½ inch long—and are usually black or a combination of red and black. These ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through it to build their nests, which can weaken wooden structures over time.
Odorous house ants
These small ants, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, are brown or black and give off a foul, rotten coconut smell when crushed. Odorous house ants are notorious for invading kitchens and bathrooms, especially during hot or dry weather when they’re on the hunt for water.
Pavement ants
A common ant throughout Pennsylvania, pavement ants are dark brown to black and about 1/8 inch long. They nest in cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and foundations, but won’t hesitate to come indoors in search of food.
For help identifying ants on your property, contact Evergreen Pest Solutions.
How weather impacts ant activity in our area
Carpenter ants are most active from spring through early fall, especially after rainstorms when moisture levels are high. They often move indoors if outdoor conditions are too dry or wet, especially if there’s damp or rotting wood nearby.
Odorous house ants tend to invade during dry spells or after heavy rain. They’re resilient and can quickly become a recurring issue without professional intervention.
Pavement ants are especially noticeable in the warmer months when their colonies expand. They’re known to invade kitchens and basements when they find even the smallest food crumbs or spills.
How to prevent ants from infesting your home
Here are a few simple but effective steps to make your home less inviting to ants:
- Seal cracks and crevices around the foundation and windows
- Fix any plumbing leaks and address moisture issues
- Keep countertops and floors free of food debris
- Store pantry goods in sealed containers
- Take out trash regularly and keep bins tightly covered
- Trim back shrubs and tree branches touching your home
- Keep outdoor eating areas clean and store pet food properly
For customized prevention tips, just ask the team at Evergreen Pest Solutions!
Professional ant control in Scranton, PA
Are you seeing ants marching through your kitchen? Are you noticing them in your bathroom or along your foundation? Evergreen Pest Solutions is here to help. Our local pest control experts provide targeted ant treatments for homes and businesses in Scranton and surrounding areas.
When you contact us, we’ll inspect your property, identify the ant species, and implement a treatment plan designed to eliminate ants and keep them from coming back.
Reach out today for a free pest control quote or to learn more about our home pest control services in Scranton!
