Ants
Carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants are among the most common invaders in Central Maine homes.
About Ants in Central Maine
Maine is home to several ant species that regularly invade homes and businesses. Carpenter ants are the most destructive — they tunnel through damp or decaying wood to build their nests, causing structural damage over time. Pavement ants nest in cracks in driveways and foundations and send foraging trails into kitchens. Odorous house ants produce a rotten coconut smell when crushed and are attracted to sweet foods. Ant colonies can number in the tens of thousands, and over-the-counter sprays typically only kill the ants you can see while the colony continues to grow.
Signs of Ants
- Trails of ants along baseboards, countertops, or window sills
- Small piles of sawdust-like frass near wood (carpenter ants)
- Rustling sounds inside walls, especially at night
- Winged ants (swarmers) appearing indoors in spring
- Tiny dirt mounds near foundation cracks or pavement joints
Prevention Tips
- Seal cracks and gaps around foundations, windows, and pipes
- Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs promptly
- Fix moisture issues — repair leaky pipes and improve ventilation
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home
Did You Know?
- 1.A carpenter ant colony can contain over 50,000 workers
- 2.Ants can carry objects 10–50 times their own body weight
- 3.Carpenter ants don't eat wood — they excavate it and push it out as frass
Need Help With Ants?
Our general pest control service targets ants at the source. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
