This post originally appeared on The Viking Voice, our LinkedIn blog.

In the healthcare industry, the margin for error is zero. While most facility managers worry about bed bugs or rodents, there is a much smaller, more insidious threat currently infiltrating hospitals and long-term care facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland: The Pharaoh Ant.

Measuring just 1/16th of an inch, these "minuscule menaces" are more than just a nuisance—they are a direct threat to patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Why Pharaoh Ants are a Risk for the Healthcare Sector 

Pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis) are tropical hitchhikers that thrive in the sterile, climate-controlled environments of modern hospitals. Unlike other pests, their biological makeup makes them uniquely dangerous in a medical setting:

• Critical Contamination: They are notorious for seeking moisture in high-stakes areas, including IV bottles, surgical wounds, and even the mouths of sleeping patients.

• Pathogen Vectors: As they forage through drains and waste disposal areas, they pick up and spread dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and Staphylococcus across sterile surfaces.

• Infrastructure Damage: Attracted to electromagnetic fields, these ants frequently nest inside electrical outlets and sensitive medical diagnostic equipment, leading to potential hardware failure.

• Massive Colony Scale: A single mature colony can grow to an astounding 300,000 members or more, consisting of several queens, winged males, and sterile female workers, along with a constant cycle of eggs, larvae, and pupae.

 

The "Hydra" Effect: Why Conventional Treatment Fails

For a healthcare facility, the natural reaction to a pest sighting is to spray. With Pharaoh ants, this is the most dangerous mistake you can make.

These ants use a survival mechanism called "budding." When they sense a repellent spray or chemical threat, the colony doesn't die. Instead, it fractures. The queens and workers scatter, creating dozens of new satellite colonies throughout the walls of your facility.

Trying to eliminate them with standard sprays is like fighting the mythical Hydra: cut off one head, and two more grow in its place.

The Viking Pest Commercial Solution

At Viking Pest Control, we understand the complexities of managing a healthcare environment. Our Pharaoh ant protocol is designed to be discreet, non-disruptive, and biologically targeted:

 

• 1. Non-Repellant Treatments: We utilize specialized, non-repellent treatment strategies that ants do not perceive as a threat. These treatments are strategically targeted at worker ants who carry these back to the deep-nesting queens and larvae, eliminating the entire network from the inside out without triggering budding.

• 2. Strategic Inspection & Coordination: Our technicians identify "hot spots" in wall voids and plumbing gaps. We coordinate treatments across departments and connected units to ensure zero migration.

• 3. Long-term Monitoring: Controlling pharaoh ants in large facilities is a marathon. We provide ongoing monitoring and strategy adjustments to ensure complete eradication and prevent re-entry.

 

Protect Your Facility and Your Patients

Pharaoh ants are persistent, but they are no match for a data-driven, professional strategy. Don't risk "budding" an infestation by using the wrong methods.

Is your facility protected? Contact Viking Pest Control today for a commercial site evaluation and specialized healthcare pest management plan.

 

If you’ve spotted large black ants roaming around your kitchen or bathroom, it’s time to pay attention. While they might look like just another bug, these pests could be carpenter ants—one of the most common and destructive wood-damaging insects found in homes across the Mid-Atlantic.

So how do you know if these ants have set up shop inside your walls? And more importantly, what should you do about it? Here's what every homeowner needs to know about how to get rid of carpenter ants.

 

5 Signs You Have An Infestation and Need Carpenter Ant Control

1. The Ants Themselves
   The most obvious sign is seeing carpenter ants inside your home. These ants are typically large (up to ½ inch) and either all black or black with red coloring. They’re especially active in the late afternoon and early evening, particularly during warm summer days. If the weather turns cold or rainy, they may become even more active indoors.
2. Piles of Frass (Sawdust-Like Debris)
   Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites do. Instead, they chew through it to create nesting galleries, leaving behind small piles of wood shavings and insect parts near the nest entrance. This debris, called frass, is often found in attics, basements, or behind baseboards and window frames.
3. Winged Swarmers
   During the summer, carpenter ant colonies may produce winged swarmers—ants that leave the nest in large groups to mate and establish new colonies. These swarmers are frequently mistaken for termites. If you spot winged ants inside your home, it’s a strong sign of an active indoor nest.
4. Rustling Noises in Walls
   In quiet areas of the home, like a bedroom or attic, you might hear faint rustling or tapping noises coming from inside the walls. That could be ants moving through their tunnels or expanding the nest.
5. Moisture-Damaged Wood
   Carpenter ants are drawn to areas with excess moisture or previous water damage. If you’ve had leaks near rooflines, windowsills, chimneys, or plumbing, these areas can become prime nesting sites for a growing colony.

 

Why Are Carpenter Ants a Problem?

While they may not eat wood like termites, carpenter ants still cause serious structural damage by hollowing out wooden beams, insulation, and even foam. Their colonies can grow quite large, often branching into multiple satellite nests that quietly cause damage in different parts of the house.

Common nesting areas include:

• Inside: Rooflines, kitchens, bathrooms, window and door frames, and chimneys.
• Outside: Decks, porches, fences, firewood piles, and even trees.

The longer they’re allowed to expand, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage can become.

 

DIY Treatments: Do They Work?

If you're researching how to get rid of carpenter ants, you've probably looked into do-it-yourself methods for carpenter ant extermination. While it’s tempting to grab an over-the-counter spray and try to tackle the problem yourself, most DIY treatments don’t work on carpenter ants. Here’s why:

• Store-bought sprays are repellents, meaning they only kill on contact and cause ants to retreat deeper into walls—making them harder to reach.
• Baits from the store are usually designed for smaller ant species, using sweet attractants that carpenter ants often ignore.
• Carpenter ants nest in inaccessible areas, like wall voids, making it nearly impossible to reach them without professional tools and knowledge.

In short, DIY solutions often prolong the problem and can end up costing more in the long run.

 

When to Call Viking Pest Control

If you suspect carpenter ants—or any wood-destroying insect—have invaded your home, the safest, fastest, and most effective option is to call a carpenter ant control company like Viking Pest Control.

At Viking, our licensed technicians:

• Know how to identify and locate primary and satellite nests
• Use targeted treatments that reach deep into walls and structural voids
• Help prevent future infestations by identifying moisture issues and sealing entry points

Don’t wait until you see damage—act early.

Carpenter ants may be silent, but they’re could be eating away at your home’s structure. If you're in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and think you might have a problem, reach out to Viking Pest Control today for carpenter ant extermination and prevention.

Ants come in many different sizes. Some are borderline microscopic, some are as big as an inch and a half long. That said, the biggest ant in one part of the world might be a different species than the biggest ant in another. In the mid-Atlantic states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, the most notorious big ant is the carpenter ant, and while it might not be the most threatening of big ants, it can be the most damaging to your home and wallet.

Ants are rarely welcome guests in peoples’ homes, but those big, wood-shredding carpenter ants should be evicted extra-quickly. In their natural environment, Carpenter Ants can be helpful creatures. They break down dead wood from injured and dead trees and put them to more productive use, enriching soil and allowing new life to grow. Unfortunately, most homes are built out of dead wood, which makes carpenter ants anything but helpful during an infestation. The damage they do can be extensive, expensive and is generally not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

So how do you know if the big ants you’re seeing in your home are carpenter ants? Not all big ants in our area are carpenter ants are big, but very few non-Carpenter species are likely to enter your house. Carpenter ants like houses more than the average ant by quite a lot. Second sign that you have a carpenter ant is the presence of frass- the piles of accumulated chewed up wood that can look like a pile of saw dust. You should also check the trees in your yard. Carpenter ants are often found climbing up and account trees, especially trees that are injured or dead as they build their homes into lifeless wood. If there are Carpenter Ants in your yard, they have an excellent chance of finding their way over to your home.

Carpenter ants, like most creatures, prefer the easy route when it comes to building their homes. Instead of working harder than necessary, they look for soft, damaged wood that’s already started to break down—like a tree that’s been weakened by water. The moisture makes the wood easier to carve out and provides the perfect humid environment for their colony to thrive.

Unfortunately, the same thing happens in homes. Areas with water damage—like doorframes, window frames, porch columns, and roof decking—become prime real estate for carpenter ants. They’re also drawn to dark, hidden spaces with little airflow, making certain parts of your home an ideal spot for them to settle in.

Most infestations actually start outside, often in trees that have been quietly housing carpenter ants for years. But as space in the tree gets tight, they expand, forming satellite colonies—sometimes inside homes. In many cases, homeowners don’t even realize there’s a problem until the ants have already moved in.

That’s why keeping an eye on the trees in your yard is so important! Catching an infestation early can save you from the much bigger (and more expensive) headache of dealing with carpenter ants inside your home later on.

Dealing with a carpenter ant infestation? This is definitely a job best left to the pros. These ants can nest in so many different places that trying to find and eliminate them all on your own can feel like an impossible task.

Pest control experts have specialized tools to tackle the problem effectively. They use dust applicators to reach deep into hidden voids, ultra-low volume machines to inject pesticide into tiny gaps, and even tools like drills and moisture meters to track down hard-to-find nests. And here’s the kicker—there’s often more than one nest in a single home!

If the ants are coming from outside, treatments like residual sprays around the foundation can help keep them from getting in. But if their main colony is in a tree nearby, just spraying your home’s exterior might only buy you some time before they find another way inside.

Bottom line? If you’re dealing with carpenter ants, bringing in a professional can save you a lot of time, frustration, and potential damage in the long run.

Flying ants are gearing up to invade New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the coming months. These winged pests, also known as "swarmers," will soon take to the skies, mate, and establish new colonies ruled by a single queen. Their arrival means more than just an annoyance—it’s the beginning of a cycle that could lead to serious infestations. Picture your backyard overrun with swarms of flying ants disrupting your peace and threatening your property. The time to act is now.

Viking Pest Control advises taking proactive measures before millions of swarmers emerge and transform your property into an ant stronghold. Our treatments, safe for families and pets, are designed to halt reproduction and colony formation, keeping your home and yard secure. We also meticulously inspect your home’s exterior to identify and seal potential entry points for ants and other pests.

Swarmers can appear anytime from early spring to late summer. Once a male and female flying ant mate, the male dies, and the female establishes a new colony, shedding her wings to become its queen. Don’t let these pests take root on your property. Call Viking Pest Control today and stop ant problems before they start.

Flying Ants in the Mid-Atlantic including carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and more develop wings for their annual swarming season. Spotting a swarm of these pests hovering over your property is a warning sign—a precursor to potential infestations that can wreak havoc on your home and yard.

Carpenter Ants: A Hidden Danger Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive ant species in the Mid-Atlantic. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they burrow through it to create nests, which can compromise the structural integrity of your home over time. These ants are often drawn to moisture-damaged wood and can quickly expand their colonies if left unchecked. Viking Pest Control utilizes specialized treatments to target carpenter ant nests, eliminating them at the source and preventing further damage to your property. Our comprehensive approach includes identifying areas of vulnerability and implementing solutions to keep carpenter ants out for good.

Defend your property against invasive swarmers with Viking Pest Control While flying ants in the Mid-Atlantic don’t spread diseases, they can cause significant problems, including structural damage, food contamination, and attracting other pests like birds and rodents. The presence of these pests is more than a nuisance; it’s a threat to your home’s safety and comfort.

Contact Viking Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and learn how we can protect your property from flying ants and other invasive pests. Don’t wait until it’s too late—the best pest control in the Mid-Atlantic is just a call away.

Are those winged insects around your home termites or ants? It can be hard to tell the difference, but trust us when we say you don't want either of them invading your space.

As a leading termite and ant control company in the NJ/PA/DE/MD area, we know a thing or two about flying termites and ants, also known as "swarmers." In this blog, we'll dive into the key differences between these pesky insects and why you should be on high alert when you spot them.

Let's get this show on the road:

Termite Swarmers vs. Ant Swarmers: The Differences

Termite and ant swarmers, the winged reproductive members of their respective colonies, can look quite similar, but some key differences can help you identify which pest you're dealing with. As a pest control company serving NJ, PA, DE, and MD, we want to ensure our clients are informed and can take the necessary action to protect their homes from these destructive pests.

Here are some of the most common differences:

1. Appearance Differences

Termites have straight antennae and wide bodies without pinched waists, whereas ants' antennae are elbowed at the ends, and their abdomens narrow to a point.

Many species of both insects share similar physical characteristics: they're small (usually less than 3/8 inch long), soft-bodied, get around by walking on six legs with two other appendages used as feelers—and can be either black or brown in color.

2. Behavior Differences

Another way to tell the difference between flying ants and termite swarmers is by their behavior. Flying ants are typically more active during the day and are attracted to sweet or sugary substances.

On the other hand, termite swarmers are more active at night and are drawn to light sources. They also tend to shed their wings once they've found a place to start a colony.

3. Diet Differences

Diet also sets these two pests apart. Ants are omnivores and primarily feed on anything edible apart from wood.

Termites, on the other hand, feed on cellulose which is a nutrient-rich material found in plants. They consume mainly wood, paper, and other cellulose-based products.

4. Damage Differences

One of the biggest differences between flying ants and termite swarmers is the damage they can cause. While both insects can damage your home, termites are infamous for their ability to eat through wood and cause costly damage to the structure of your home. If you spot any signs of wood damage or hollowed-out wood, termites are likely the culprits.

Pro Tip: Keeping Your Home Safe

Acting fast is important if you suspect you have an ant or termite infestation. Both insects can quickly multiply and cause significant damage to your home. The best way to deal with the problem is by contacting a pest control professional.

They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, including baiting, trapping, or insecticide treatments.

Termites vs. Ants: Which is Worse?

When it comes to termites vs. ants, there's no contest. Termites are the bigger threat; you don't want them in your home. Keep an eye out for these pesky intruders, and take action if you suspect an infestation.

Here's the thing, termites are not picky eaters. They will happily munch on any cellulose-based material, including the wooden structure of your home. And the worst part? They can do it for years without you even realizing it.

In fact, termites cause more property damage than fires, floods, and storms combined.

That's why it's crucial to know the signs of a termite infestation and act fast. Look out for hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, and mud tubes. If you suspect you have termites, don't wait to call in a professional. The longer you wait, the more damage they can do.

Hassle-Free And and Termite Control Solutions for Your Home

Regardless of which insect species is bugging you, know that winged termites and ants usually mean that there is a mature colony nearby that is ready to expand. It's important to stay vigilant regarding pest control. Don't let termites and ant swarmers take over your home. These pesky insects can cause serious damage and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. You can protect your home and wallet by learning how to identify and deal with these pests.

At Viking Pest, we use the latest technology and techniques to control and prevent termite and ant infestations effectively. Our termite baiting system is safe, eco-friendly, and highly effective for controlling termite populations.

We serve NJ, PA, DE, and MD, so call today at 800-618-2847 or request a free quote on our website and protect your property from these destructive pests.

Few household pests are more frustrating than opening your pantry or walking into your kitchen to find a trail of tiny ants marching across the counter. Commonly called “sugar ants,” these small pests are constantly searching for sweet foods, grease, crumbs, and moisture inside homes.

Despite the nickname, “sugar ant” is not actually a specific ant species. It’s a general term people use to describe several small ants that invade homes in search of food. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the most common sugar ants are typically odorous house ants and pavement ants.

Once they discover a food source inside your home, they leave behind scent trails that quickly attract even more ants — turning a small problem into a large infestation fast.

Common Types of Sugar Ants Found in Mid-Atlantic Homes

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are one of the most common ants homeowners encounter indoors. These tiny brown or black ants are especially attracted to sugary foods and moisture. When crushed, they emit a strong rotten coconut-like smell, which is how they got their name.

Odorous house ants often nest:

• Inside wall voids
• Under flooring
• Around sinks and pipes
• Beneath mulch and landscaping outdoors

They frequently invade kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements searching for food and water.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are another common “sugar ant” species. These ants typically build nests under sidewalks, driveways, patios, foundations, and concrete slabs. From there, they find their way indoors through tiny cracks and gaps.

Pavement ants are attracted to:

• Sugary foods
• Pet food
• Grease
• Crumbs
• Spilled drinks

They are especially active in kitchens and pantry areas.

Why Sugar Ants Invade Homes

Sugar ants are constantly searching for reliable food and water sources. Even tiny crumbs, sticky residue, or moisture around sinks can attract them indoors.

Some of the most common causes of ant infestations include:

• Dirty dishes left in sinks
• Crumbs on counters or floors
• Open food containers
• Garbage buildup
• Pet food left out overnight
• Leaky pipes or faucets
• Cracks around windows and doors

Once a scout ant finds food, it leaves behind a pheromone trail that hundreds or even thousands of other ants can follow.

How to Help Prevent Sugar Ants

Preventing sugar ants usually starts with making your home less attractive to them.

Keep Kitchens Clean

Good sanitation is one of the best ways to discourage ants. Wipe down counters regularly, sweep floors, and clean up food spills immediately.

It’s also important to:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Take out trash regularly
• Wash dishes promptly
• Clean pet feeding areas
• Avoid leaving sugary drinks or fruit exposed

Eliminate Moisture

Many ants are just as attracted to water as they are to food. Repair leaking faucets, pipes, or drains and reduce excess moisture around sinks, bathrooms, and basements.

Seal Entry Points

Sugar ants can squeeze through extremely tiny openings. Sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows, foundations, and utility lines can help limit their access into your home.

Trimming shrubs and tree branches away from the house may also help reduce ant activity near entry points.

DIY Sugar Ant Treatments

Many homeowners try do-it-yourself ant remedies before calling a professional. Some common DIY methods include:

• White vinegar and water sprays
• Peppermint or citrus essential oils
• Diatomaceous earth
• Boric acid bait mixtures
• Store-bought bait stations

While some of these methods may temporarily reduce visible ants, they often fail to eliminate the entire colony. In many cases, the nest remains hidden behind walls, beneath floors, or outside near the foundation.

Improper use of repellents can sometimes make the problem worse by causing colonies to split and spread into multiple nesting locations.

Professional Sugar Ant Control From Viking Pest Control

If ants keep returning no matter how much you clean or spray, there’s a good chance the colony is established somewhere in or around your home. Professional treatment is often the fastest and most effective way to stop the infestation at its source.

At Viking Pest Control, our experienced technicians identify the specific ant species invading your home, locate nesting areas, and create customized treatment plans designed to eliminate ants and help prevent future infestations.

With over 40 years of experience serving homeowners throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Viking Pest Control provides safe, effective solutions for sugar ants and many other household pests.

Call Viking Pest Control at 800-618-2847 to learn more about professional ant control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!

Seeing ants crawling through your kitchen in the middle of winter can feel strange, but ant activity during colder months is more common than many homeowners realize. While pest activity generally slows down during winter in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, ants and other overwintering pests can still remain active indoors. In fact, spotting ants during winter is often an early warning sign that larger colonies may already be established around your property.

Understanding why ants appear during winter and early spring can help you take the right steps to protect your home before infestations become more serious later in the year.

Why Am I Seeing Ants Inside During the Winter?

If you are seeing ants inside your home during winter, there is a good chance an overwintering ant colony is nearby. Ants seek shelter indoors when outdoor conditions become too cold or food sources become scarce. Homes provide warmth, moisture, and reliable access to food, making them ideal places for ants to survive colder months.

Unseasonably warm winter weather or rainy periods can also trigger ant activity earlier than expected. Ants may mistakenly respond to mild temperatures as if spring has arrived, causing them to emerge indoors searching for food and water.

Unfortunately, winter ant activity usually indicates that ants may continue to be a problem once spring and summer arrive.

What Is an Overwintering Pest?

An overwintering pest is an insect, rodent, or other pest that moves indoors to survive harsh outdoor conditions during colder months. Many pests begin seeking shelter during the fall, often entering homes through small cracks, gaps, or openings around foundations, windows, pipes, and doors.

Once inside, these pests remain protected from freezing temperatures and may stay hidden until warmer weather returns. Ant colonies that overwinter indoors can remain active throughout winter, especially in heated areas of the home.

Common Ants You May See Around Your Home

As temperatures begin warming in late winter and early spring, several ant species become more active around homes and lawns.

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants commonly build nests under sidewalks, driveways, patios, and brick structures. Outdoors, they create noticeable mounds and trails across paved surfaces. If they find entry points into your home, they may invade kitchens and pantries in search of food.

Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are known for producing a strong odor often compared to rotten coconut when crushed. These ants are especially attracted to moisture and food sources indoors, making kitchens and bathrooms common infestation areas.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the most concerning ant species for homeowners because they can damage wood structures inside homes. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create nesting galleries. Over time, this can lead to costly structural damage if left untreated.

Why Ants Keep Returning

Ant colonies rely heavily on pheromone trails to guide other ants to food and water sources. Even after visible ants are removed, these invisible scent trails can continue attracting more ants into the same areas.

Additionally, many ant colonies contain multiple queens and satellite colonies, making infestations difficult to eliminate completely without professional treatment. A one-time treatment may temporarily reduce visible activity, but if the larger colony remains active outdoors, ants often return once temperatures rise again.

How to Help Prevent Ants in Your Home

While prevention alone may not eliminate an active infestation, it can help reduce conditions that attract ants indoors.

Tips to Reduce Ant Activity:

• Clean up crumbs and spills promptly
• Store pantry items in airtight containers
• Keep garbage containers clean and sealed
• Wash pet bowls and clean food debris regularly
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
• Reduce moisture around sinks, bathrooms, and basements
• Inspect your home each spring for early signs of pest activity

These steps can make your home less attractive to ants and help slow the spread of infestations.

Does DIY Ant Control Work?

Many homeowners try DIY ant sprays or bait products, but ant infestations are often far more complicated than they appear. Different ant species require different treatment strategies, and simply killing visible ants rarely solves the underlying problem.

To fully eliminate an infestation, treatment must target the entire colony, including hidden nests, satellite colonies, and queens. Without proper identification and treatment methods, ant problems can quickly return.

Professional pest control services can identify the ant species, locate nesting areas, and apply targeted treatments designed to eliminate the infestation at its source.

Professional Ant Control for Year-Round Protection

If you are already seeing ants during winter or early spring, there is a strong likelihood activity will increase as temperatures continue to rise. Ongoing pest protection can help prevent recurring infestations and protect your home throughout every season.

Viking Pest Control provides year-round ant control services throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Our trained professionals identify ant activity, locate entry points, and create customized treatment plans designed to help keep ants from returning.

If you are noticing ants in your home this winter or spring, contact Viking Pest Control today for a fast, free estimate and learn more about our year-round pest protection solutions.

Ants are among the most common household pests homeowners encounter throughout the year. While many species may seem harmless at first glance, certain ants can create major problems once they establish colonies inside or around your home. Two of the most common species homeowners deal with are carpenter ants and odorous house ants.

Although these pests share some similarities, they differ greatly in appearance, behavior, and the level of threat they pose. Understanding how to identify carpenter ants versus odorous house ants can help you determine the best course of action before an infestation worsens.

How to Identify Different Types of Ants

Before identifying a specific ant species, it’s important to observe a few key characteristics. Ants rarely travel alone, so spotting one ant often means there are many more nearby. Most ants travel along established trails that lead back to their nest or food source.

When inspecting ants around your home, pay attention to:

• Body size and color
• Ant trails and nesting locations
• Worker ant size variations
• General behavior and feeding habits

These details can help distinguish carpenter ants from odorous house ants and determine how serious the infestation may be.

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species commonly found in homes. Worker ants typically range from ¼ to ½ inch long and may appear black, brown, or reddish-black.

Key carpenter ant characteristics include:

• Large body size
• Rounded, smooth thorax profile
• Single-node waist (pedicel)
• Workers of varying sizes within the colony
• Winged swarmers during reproductive periods

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they tunnel through damp or decaying wood to create galleries and nesting areas for their colonies.

Where Do Carpenter Ants Nest?

Carpenter ants prefer moist, damaged, or decaying wood. Common nesting locations include:

• Tree stumps and fallen logs
• Woodpiles
• Decks and porches
• Window frames
• Attics and basements
• Wall voids with moisture damage

As colonies mature, carpenter ants often expand into satellite nests, which can spread throughout a structure.

Are Carpenter Ants Dangerous?

Yes, carpenter ants can cause structural damage over time. While they do not consume wood like termites, their tunneling weakens wooden structures and may lead to costly repairs if left untreated.

Signs of a carpenter ant infestation may include:

• Rustling noises inside walls
• Piles of sawdust-like frass
• Winged swarmers indoors
• Large black ants appearing at night

Because carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, infestations often indicate underlying water damage or excess humidity.

How to Prevent Carpenter Ants

Reducing moisture and removing attractive nesting areas are critical for carpenter ant prevention.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Repair leaking pipes and faucets
• Clean gutters and improve drainage
• Replace water-damaged wood
• Store firewood away from the home
• Trim tree branches touching the structure
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors

Professional ant control is often necessary to fully eliminate carpenter ant colonies and prevent future infestations.

For long-term protection, homeowners can learn more about Viking Pest Control’s ant control services and home protection plans.

What Do Odorous House Ants Look Like?

Odorous house ants are much smaller than carpenter ants, measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. They are usually dark brown or black and have smooth bodies with very little hair.

One of their most recognizable traits is the unpleasant odor they release when crushed, often described as rotten coconut or licorice-like.

Other identifying features include:

• Small body size
• Single hidden node between thorax and abdomen
• Strong odor when crushed
• Long indoor ant trails
• Attraction to sugary foods

Where Do Odorous House Ants Nest?

Odorous house ants commonly nest in moist environments both indoors and outdoors. Typical nesting locations include:

• Under mulch and stones
• Beneath floors
• Inside wall voids
• Around sinks and plumbing
• Under debris or outdoor objects
• Near moisture-damaged wood

During rainy periods or extreme weather, these ants often invade homes searching for food and water.

Are Odorous House Ants Dangerous?

Odorous house ants are considered nuisance pests rather than structural pests. They do not damage wood like carpenter ants, but they can become a major frustration when large colonies invade kitchens and pantries.

Potential concerns include:

• Contamination of food surfaces
• Bacteria transfer from unsanitary areas
• Persistent indoor ant trails
• Strong odor when crushed

Although bites are rare and generally harmless, infestations can quickly become difficult to control without professional treatment.

How to Prevent Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants are strongly attracted to moisture and sugary foods. Preventing infestations starts with removing easy access to these resources.

To help keep odorous house ants away:

• Store food in airtight containers
• Wipe up spills and crumbs quickly
• Reduce moisture around the home
• Repair plumbing leaks
• Seal entry points around windows and foundations
• Trim vegetation away from exterior walls
• Eliminate standing water around the property

If colonies are already established indoors, professional ant treatments are often the most effective solution.

Professional Ant Control with Viking Pest Control

Whether you’re dealing with destructive carpenter ants or persistent odorous house ants, early treatment is important to prevent infestations from spreading.

Professional pest control specialists can properly identify the species, locate nesting sites, and apply targeted treatments designed to eliminate colonies at the source.

Homeowners looking for year-round pest protection can explore Viking Pest Control’s Home Protection Plans for ongoing coverage against ants and other common household pests.

To schedule an inspection or learn more about professional ant control solutions, visit Viking Pest Control.

Spring is the season where most animals and insects become much more active. This, unfortunately, means you’ll need to keep an eye out for ants in spring, as they are an incredibly common pest to deal with during this time of year.

Luckily, you have Viking Pest Control on your side, and we can teach you all about how to tell if you have ants in your house in spring!

Timeline of Ants in The Spring

Ants usually become more active during springtime for one of two reasons:

1. They are seeking to find a warm place that is rich with food
2. They are seeking a safe space to reproduce during their reproduction cycle

In both cases, ants are likely to find your home an attractive location. They can sneak into your home via the smallest of cracks, which is why it’s so important to be prepared beforehand. If you find ants in your house in spring, you may need to call a professional, like Viking Pest Control, to help you get rid of the problem.

Ant Prevention

Luckily there are methods to prevent ants from entering your house that can be effective, such as:

• Sealing cracks around your home with caulk
• Keeping your house clean
• Storing all food in sealed containers
• Using ant baits

What to Do If You’ve Already Spotted Ants

If you have spotted ants in your home, then you already have more ants on the way. The first thing to do is to identify what ants you’re dealing with. Some of the most common types of ants in the spring include:

• Carpenter Ants
• Pavement Ants
• Odorous House Ants

When to Call a Professional

There are many home remedies out there that have varying degrees of effectiveness, but if you want to be completely sure that the infestation is gone, call a professional such as Viking Pest Control.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for your professional technician:

1. Clean your house thoroughly (vacuum, wash dishes, etc.)
2. Make sure all food is in airtight containers
3. Prepare to relay exactly where you’ve been seeing ants

After Your Pest Control Service

The best thing to do after an exterminator visit is to be patient. Don’t try to deter or eliminate any ants you see, and don’t use any strong cleaners around any ant bait that has been set up. Just let time work on your side.

Viking: An Exterminator You Can Rely On

Ants can be dangerous for your property, so you should take care of any infestation you have right away. Contact your local New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Eastern Shore of Maryland pest control experts at Viking Pest Control to keep your home ant free!

Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about ant pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!

If you’ve noticed ants making their way through your kitchen, bathroom, or along your windowsills, you’re not alone. Ants are one of the most common household pests throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. While small ant problems may seem harmless at first, infestations can quickly grow if the colony is left untreated.

Understanding why ants enter homes, how to prevent them, and when to call a professional can help you protect your home from a much larger infestation.

Why Are Ants Coming Into My House?

Ants typically invade homes while searching for food, water, and shelter. Even the smallest crumbs, spills, moisture issues, or entry points can attract scouting ants that leave behind pheromone trails for the rest of the colony to follow.

Ant infestations often begin outside before spreading indoors. Ants commonly travel into homes by:

• Climbing tree branches or shrubs touching the house
• Entering through cracks and gaps around foundations
• Following plumbing or utility lines indoors
• Nesting near mulch beds or damp wood
• Searching for food in kitchens and pantries

Once ants establish a reliable food source inside your home, the infestation can grow rapidly.

Common Types of Ants Found in Homes

Several ant species are common throughout NJ, PA, DE, and MD homes.

Odorous House Ants

 Odorous house ants are among the most common indoor ants. These small brown or black ants are attracted to sweets and moisture. When crushed, they release a strong odor often compared to rotten coconut. 

Pavement Ants

 Pavement ants typically nest under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. They often enter homes searching for sugary foods, grease, and proteins. 

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are much larger than most household ants and can cause structural concerns. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they tunnel through damp or damaged wood to build nests.

Signs of carpenter ants may include:

• Large black or reddish ants indoors
• Rustling sounds inside walls
• Piles of sawdust-like material
• Moisture-damaged wood

If left untreated, carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures over time.

Learn more about carpenter ant control and home pest control services.

Why DIY Ant Treatments Often Fail

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is only treating the ants they can see. Sprays and store-bought products may temporarily reduce activity, but they rarely eliminate the actual colony.

Most ant colonies contain thousands of ants hidden behind walls, under floors, outdoors, or inside void spaces. Killing visible worker ants usually does little to stop the infestation itself.

Common DIY ant control problems include:

• Incomplete colony elimination
• Misidentifying the ant species
• Using ineffective repellents
• Driving ants deeper into the structure
• Missing hidden nests and satellite colonies

Some over-the-counter sprays can even cause ants to split into multiple colonies, making the infestation harder to control.

How Professional Ant Control Works

Professional ant exterminators focus on identifying the species, locating the colony, and eliminating the infestation at the source.

At Viking Pest Control, treatment plans are customized based on the type of ant, severity of infestation, and conditions around the property. Professional ant control may include:

• Thorough interior and exterior inspections
• Targeted baiting systems
• Non-repellent treatments
• Identification of moisture or food sources
• Entry point reduction recommendations
• Long-term prevention strategies

Many professional ant treatments rely on bait systems that worker ants carry back to the colony. This allows the treatment to spread throughout the nest and eliminate the queen and remaining colony members.

Because of this process, it is normal to continue seeing ant activity for a short period after treatment while the colony is being eliminated.

How to Prevent Ants From Returning

 Prevention is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of future ant infestations. Small changes around the home can make a major difference. 

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Ants are highly attracted to food debris and moisture. To reduce attraction:

• Wipe down counters regularly
• Clean crumbs and spills immediately
• Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight
• Store pantry foods in airtight containers
• Empty trash regularly

Eliminate Moisture Issues

Many ant species seek out water sources indoors. Repair:

• Leaky pipes
• Dripping faucets
• Moisture buildup under sinks
• Poor ventilation areas

Trim Vegetation Away From the House

Tree branches, bushes, and shrubs touching your home create easy access points for ants and other pests.

Trim vegetation several inches away from siding, windows, and roofing areas.

Reduce Exterior Nesting Areas

Mulch, leaf piles, wood stacks, and debris close to the home can encourage ant nesting activity.

Keep firewood elevated and away from the structure whenever possible.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for small cracks and openings around:

• Windows
• Doors
• Foundations
• Utility penetrations
• Pipes and vents

Sealing gaps can help reduce indoor access.

Are Big Black Ants a Problem?

Large black ants inside the home are often carpenter ants, especially if they appear repeatedly or near moisture-damaged wood.

While seeing one or two ants does not always indicate a major infestation, recurring sightings should not be ignored. Carpenter ant colonies often remain hidden for long periods while continuing to expand inside wall voids and wooden structures.

Professional inspection is the best way to determine whether carpenter ants are actively nesting inside the home.

Stop Ant Infestations Before They Spread

Ant infestations rarely disappear on their own. What begins as a few ants in the kitchen can quickly become a much larger colony hidden behind walls or outside around the foundation.

If DIY treatments are no longer working or ant activity keeps returning, Viking Pest Control can help. Our team provides customized ant control services, proactive SMART pest monitoring, and year-round residential pest control solutions throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Contact Viking Pest Control today for a free inspection and customized ant treatment plan.