In certain climates, ants are as likely to build their nests indoors as they are outdoors, especially if they need access to water or warmth. However, there are also species which are more prone to target the home, and these species are actually dangerous. Let’s take a look at the reasons why ants invade the walls of the home.

Colonies inside the wall

The majority of ant species are completely harmless to humans – they are incapable of spreading diseases or damaging the home. These ants will usually enter the home for short periods of time to look for food, but they may set up inside the walls if the conditions outside of the home are harsh. If the home is clean, and the food inside is safely stored in sealed containers, then these ants will rarely be noticed indoors, and the infestation will not cause too many problems.

Carpenter ants inside the wall

While the presence of most ant species in the home is not necessarily a reason to be alarmed, the presence of carpenter ants can be serious. This species will build its colonies inside of wood, and they can cause a lot of damage if they are left unchecked. Luckily, these ants are easy to identify when they go out to forage for food. If you notice any ants that are larger than usual, generally about half an inch in length, then you are dealing with carpenter ants and should call a pest control pro immediately. The longer the infestation goes on, the more damage these ants will do to the home.

Other dangerous ant species that may set up inside the walls of the home

Besides carpenter ants, there are a few other species that can build their colonies inside wall voids. These species include fire ants, pharaoh ants and odorous house ants. Fire ants are known for their painful sting and aggressiveness, while pharaoh ants are capable of spreading a wide range of diseases. Odorous house ants are not dangerous at all, but they release a rotten coconut smell when they are crushed, so they can be considered pests.

What to do if ants have set up inside the walls

If you notice any large or red ants in the home, it’s best to get in touch with a pest control pro to remove them, because they may be dangerous. Contact us today if you have any ant issues and we will help you solve them.