Little Black ants get their common name from their very tiny size and shiny, typically black coloring. Their colonies are medium to very sizeable, usually featuring many queens.
Generally speaking, ants are among the most hearty, resilient, and adaptable insects around, and most species can be difficult to get rid of once they’re indoors, so it’s a good idea to know what type of ants you’re dealing with to help you in managing them.
Little Black Ants (Monomorium minimum)
Little Black ants only range in length from 3/10″ to 3/5″ in length (queens are about twice as large), and shiny black in color. These ants are known to increase activity between June and August, when they typically forage for food, and can be found along your Porter property’s sidewalks and driveway. They love feeding on proteins, oil, meats, as well as on fruits and vegetables. They will even feed on sweets, honeydew/plant secretions, other insects, and on stored food like corn meal.
Little black ants are most commonly found in wooded areas. They tend to nest underneath landscaping rocks, decomposing logs in your yard, and underneath firewood, piles of bricks, and lumber. If they find their way into your home in search of food and water, they will occupy woodwork, wall voids, damp/rotting wood, and masonry.
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How Do I Get Rid of Tiny Ants in My Kitchen?
As with many other ant and insect invader pest species, keeping your lawn well kept and the interior of your home wiped down and clean is a major key to keeping Ghost ants out. No matter how clean your home is, keep in mind that ants can show up in even the cleanest of homes. Try the following tips to help you get rid of Ghost ants in your home.
- Keep firewood and mulch at least 20 feet away from your home, and clear your yard of debris.
- Mow your lawn regularly and keep it clear of lawn clutter (logs, branches, stumps, leaf piles, etc.).
- Trim your shrubs and trees at least an inch or two away from the side of your home.
- Promptly wipe up food and beverage spills, keep your sink free of empty dishes, and sweep and mop regularly in your kitchen. Make sure all leaks indoors and outdoors are repaired.
- Seal up cracks and crevices in the baseboards, doors, and windows. Screen off pipe and utility entry points.
- The location of the Little Black ant nest is important when considering treatment. These ants are difficult to notice with the naked eye, but if you can find a trail of them, you can follow it back to their nest.
As with other ant species, baiting is the most consistently reliable and long-term way to eliminate entire colonies instead of spraying with a conventional repellent residual spray. But you can spot treat for ants with a good spray, just don’t spray where you’ve put down bait, or the ants won’t come anywhere near the bait like you want them to. You can also spray your yard with a good yard bug spray. Be patient! Depending on the colony size, it could take from a few days to a few weeks to eliminate it entirely.
No matter what you do to help prevent Little Black ants and other pests from establishing a home in your house or yard, there’s still a chance you may end up dealing with a serious infestation at some point. But what about all the good weather? Call our Porter, TX pest control experts today at 832-898-0190 to save yourself all sorts of time, headaches, and money, and to keep your weekends with friends and family free. Let us help you enjoy more of grilling season in your backyard!
