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Why Faro?
For over a decade, Faro Pest Control has been the trusted expert for ant infestations. Whether it’s tiny sugar ants, large carpenter ants, or something in between, our Certified Technicians and Entomologists ensure ants don’t stand a chance—guaranteed!
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Our licensed technicians work alongside Certified Entomologists.
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Our pest control treatments are customized to fit your home, the specific pest challenges you face, and your unique circumstances.
“If you hire me to get rid of your ant pest problems and, at the end of 30 days, you are not 100% happy I will come back and retreat your home for FREE. If that still doesn’t make you happy I will give you back every penny you paid for the initial treatment….PLUS…I will pay YOU an additional $25.00 for your time and trouble. That is how confident I am in the work I do.”
Types of Ants in New Jersey
Ants are among the most widespread and diverse insects on Earth, with origins dating back millions of years. Species like the Odorous House Ant, Pavement Ant, Carpenter Ant, and Red Fire Ant are commonly found in homes and businesses. These ants are sometimes referred to as “Little Black Ants” or “Sugar Ants” because of their small size and attraction to sugary substances.
Their small, segmented bodies, six legs, and antennae are common traits among ants, with colors ranging from black to reddish tones. Ants are difficult to control due to their social structure, rapid reproduction, and ability to nest in hidden, hard-to-reach places. Below is a summary of the common ant species found in New Jersey.
Carpenter Ants
Camponotus spp., commonly known as carpenter ants, are large, dark-colored ants that range from ¼ inch to ½ inch in length. They are typically black or dark brown, with some species showing reddish hues. Preferring damp, decaying wood, carpenter ants are commonly found nesting in wooden structures, where they can cause significant damage. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not consume wood but excavate it to create their nests. Carpenter ants tend to form large colonies and often leave behind piles of wood shavings and debris as evidence of their presence.
Pavement Ants
Tetramorium caespitum, commonly known as the pavement ant, is small and dark brown to black in color, typically measuring between 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch in length. These ants are often found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces, but they can also invade homes in search of food. Pavement ants are known for their distinctive segmented appearance and their tendency to leave behind small mounds of dirt near their nests. They are attracted to sugary foods and can be a common household pest.
Odorous House Ants
Tapinoma sessile, commonly known as the odorous house ant, is small and typically dark brown to black in color, measuring about 1/8 inch in length. These ants are often found in homes, particularly in kitchens and areas with easy access to food. They are known for the strong, unpleasant odor they emit when disturbed, which is why they are called “odorous.” Odorous house ants form large colonies and are highly attracted to sugary substances, making them a common household pest, especially during warmer months.
Red Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta, commonly known as the red fire ant, is a reddish-brown ant that typically ranges from 1/8 inch to ¼ inch in length. While not as widespread in New Jersey as other ant species, red fire ants can be found in some areas, particularly in warmer regions. They are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Red fire ants build large, conspicuous mounds in soil, and their colonies can contain thousands of ants. They are attracted to food sources and can pose a threat to both people and pets.
Indications of an Ant Infestation
Ants are typically active during the day, so seeing them indoors may indicate a nearby nest or food source. Other common signs of an ant infestation include:
- Ant trails leading to and from food sources
- Piles of sawdust or wood shavings (especially with carpenter ants)
- Small mounds of dirt or debris near nests (especially with pavement ants)
- Sugar or food crumbs near entry points
- Unpleasant odors (especially with odorous house ants)
Health Risks and Damage Concerns
Ants do not bite or sting unless provoked, but certain species, like red fire ants, can deliver painful stings that may cause allergic reactions. While most ants do not carry harmful pathogens, they can still spread bacteria and contaminate food by coming into contact with surfaces and food items. Odorous house ants, for example, are known to transfer bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, the presence of ants, especially in large numbers, can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms due to their droppings and body parts.
While ants do not typically cause major structural damage, carpenter ants can damage wood by excavating it to create their nests, potentially weakening wooden structures over time.
Behavior
Ants are highly social insects that live in large colonies, with each colony having a clear division of labor. Different species exhibit different behaviors, but many ants, like odorous house ants and pavement ants, will invade homes in search of food. Carpenter ants are often active during the warmer months, foraging for food and seeking out damp wood to nest in. While ants are generally active during the day, some species, like the red fire ant, can also be active at night. When exposed to light or disturbance, ants typically retreat back to their nests but will quickly return to their food sources once it’s safe.
Habitat
Ants are adaptable insects that can live in a variety of environments, depending on the species. Many, like odorous house ants and pavement ants, thrive in warm, humid areas with easy access to food. They are commonly found in homes, particularly in kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms, where food sources are abundant. Carpenter ants prefer damp, decaying wood and are often found in wooden structures, where they can cause damage over time. Red fire ants typically nest in the ground, creating large mounds in open, sunny areas, though they may also invade homes in search of food.
Lifecycle
Ants undergo a four-phase life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The lifespan of an ant varies by species, with workers typically living a few months, while queens can live for several years. Ants are social insects, and their colonies can last for many years as long as the queen is alive. Ants are capable of thriving in various environments and can survive without food for extended periods, though they are dependent on their colony to find and protect food sources.
Most ants are oviparous, meaning the female ant lays eggs that develop into larvae. The larvae eventually pupate, transitioning into adult ants. Depending on the species, queens can lay thousands of eggs, with some species producing several batches of eggs each day, ensuring the colony continues to grow.
Feeding
Ants are omnivores and have varied diets depending on the species. Many, such as odorous house ants and pavement ants, are attracted to sugary foods, including sweets, fruits, and even oils. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, prefer protein-rich foods like dead insects and sugary substances. Red fire ants are known for being more aggressive and will feed on a wide range of food, from seeds to small animals. In the absence of food, ants will scavenge and consume decaying organic matter, and some species may even turn to the larvae or workers of other colonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs of an ant infestation include seeing live ants, especially near food sources, trails leading to and from food, or noticing small piles of dirt or sawdust around your home. Depending on the species, ants may also leave behind unpleasant odors or even nest in walls, floors, or other hidden areas. If you’re unsure, I can help with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the problem.
Ants typically enter homes in search of food and water, and they often find their way inside through tiny cracks or gaps around doors, windows, or foundations. Some species, like odorous house ants, are attracted to sugary foods, while others, like carpenter ants, are more interested in damp wood. Once they find a food source, they create visible trails and can quickly establish a nest.
The time it takes to get rid of ants depends on the species and the extent of the infestation. For smaller problems, it may only take a couple of treatments, but for larger infestations, it could take a few weeks to completely eliminate the colony. I will work with you to ensure the problem is addressed and gone for good.
Absolutely. I use safe and effective treatment methods that are designed to protect your family and pets while eliminating the ants. Many treatments are non-toxic and eco-friendly, and I always ensure that you’re informed about what will be used in your home. If you have any specific concerns, we can discuss options that fit your needs.
To prevent ants from returning, I recommend sealing any cracks or gaps around your home, especially near doors, windows, and foundations. Keeping your kitchen and dining areas clean, storing food in sealed containers, and removing sources of water can help reduce the attraction for ants. Regular inspections can also catch small issues before they become bigger infestations.
The cost of ant extermination varies based on the type of ant, the severity of the infestation, and the size of your property. After a thorough inspection, I’ll provide you with an estimate tailored to your situation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
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