Ants: from kitchen trails to stinging yard mounds.
The West Valley has a long list of ants. Some just march across the counter looking for sugar. Others build mounds in the yard and sting hard enough to ruin an evening outside.
Identifying ants
Southern fire ants are small reddish ants that nest in loose soil and under rocks, and they swarm out and sting when disturbed. Red harvester ants are larger, build mounds with a bare circle of cleared ground around them, and have a painful sting. Indoors, the usual suspects are tiny Argentine, pharaoh and odorous house ants that follow trails to food and water.
Carpenter ants also live in the Valley. They are large, black or reddish, and often show up at night foraging along walls. In the desert they usually nest in dead wood, landscape timbers or wall voids rather than causing major damage.
Irrigation, rock landscaping and slab homes give ants ideal conditions. They nest along the foundation, under pavers and in expansion joints, then move inside through tiny cracks when it gets very hot, very dry or when monsoon rains flood their nests. Winged ants often swarm after summer storms.
Why they matter
Most indoor ants are a nuisance. They contaminate food and can be hard to get rid of once they find a reliable source. Fire ants and harvester ants sting, which is a problem for kids and pets in the yard. Stings can be medically significant: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for a severe reaction.
Signs of activity
- Ant trails along baseboards, countertops, windowsills or the edge of the slab
- Mounds or small piles of dirt in rock beds, lawns, pavers and expansion joints
- Bare, cleared circles around large mounds in the yard
- Winged ants indoors or around lights after monsoon rains
- Ants in pet food bowls, sinks or bathrooms looking for water
Prevention tips for Arizona homes
- Wipe counters and sweep floors daily, and keep sugary food in sealed containers
- Pick up pet food after meals and keep water bowls from overflowing
- Fix irrigation leaks and drip lines that keep the foundation damp
- Trim plants and tree branches so they do not touch the house
- Seal gaps around windows, doors and where pipes enter the walls
- Skip store-bought sprays on indoor trails, which can make some colonies split into new nests
When to call a pro
If ants keep coming back, or stinging ants are taking over the yard, it is time for a professional. Bryce identifies the species, since treatment differs for each, and treats nests and entry points. Monthly plans include free re-service between visits.
Questions about ants
Don’t see your question? Call or text (623) 363-3124 and you’ll get Bryce, not a call center.
Why do ants keep coming back after I spray them?
Spraying kills the workers you see, but the queens and most of the colony stay in the nest. Some species, like Argentine and pharaoh ants, can split into new colonies when stressed. Treatment that targets the nest and the colony works better than killing trails.
Are fire ants and harvester ants dangerous?
Both sting, and the stings hurt. Most people only get local pain and swelling. Keep kids and pets away from mounds. Stings can be medically significant: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for a severe reaction.
Do carpenter ants damage homes in Arizona?
Carpenter ants hollow out wood to nest, but they do not eat it like termites. In the desert they usually stick to dead or damp wood. If you see large ants coming out of walls or wood trim, have it checked, because moisture problems often come with them.
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