Economy Pest Control serves the Greater Boston area with high-quality termite and pest control.

 

Ants and their Control Ant

Ants are members of the order hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. There are many species of ants, only a few of which are significant pests in the Greater Boston area.

Since ants are frequently mistaken for other insects, proper identification is vital to effective control. Let's look at a few characteristics of ants as a group:

 

  • Ants range in size from very tiny, less than 1/8" in length; to large species reaching an inch or more.

  • All ants have elbowed antennae.

  • The front wings of winged ants are noticeable larger than the hind wings; and usually appear almost transparent when held up to the light.

  • Ants have a narrow "waist" called the pedicel, which is usually visible to the naked eye.

 

Ants as Pests

Most ant species live outside and are harmless, and some are even quite beneficial. Some are scavengers who help dispose of dead and decaying plants and animals, while others prey on harmful pests.

Other ants, however, are pests and need to be controlled —at least when they are in or near our homes, businesses, and recreational areas. Some ants can cause damage to wooden structures, while others contaminate stored food, when they crawl over it after having visited filthy areas.

A complete listing of pest ants would take many pages this size, but some of the more common species in our area include:

 

  • Carpenter Ants, which can cause damage to wooden structures.

  • Thief Ants, which are extremely tiny and frequently infest stored foods in homes and commercial food establishments.

  • Little Black Ants (seriously, that's what they are called) live outside, but frequently invade buildings looking for food.

  • Pavement Ants are among the most common small ants in the Greater Boston area, and frequently enter buildings to find food.

 

Choosing the Right Exterminator

Economy Pest Control is an independent, family owned and operated, full-service pest control company serving the Greater Boston area. Presently in our third decade of local ownership, our goal is simple: We want to provide the highest quality professional pest control services, at the fairest possible price. For more information about how we can help you with ants or any other pest problem, please contact us.