Ant Control in Colorado

Why do I have an ant problem?

Your reasons for having an ant problem in the first place will depend on the type of ant you're dealing with. 

Here are a few quick indicators for determining which ant type is plaguing you and your property:

• Pavement ants - Pavement ants are the smallest and most common of the four options. Pavement ants usually start by building the entrance of their elaborate colony on or near cracks in pavement. Look for small dirt mounds created from their burrowing. These ants invade homes and often extend their colonies from paved areas to your house through extensive tunnel networks. If you have a nice sidewalk or driveway, you are probably dealing with pavement ants.
• Field ants - Field ants are larger than pavement ants. These ants build colonies similar to pavement ants but prefer gardens over pavement. Field ants feed on honeydew, so they are rarely found in your home. If you have a succulent flower bed, there is a good chance you're dealing with field ants.
• Odorous house ants - Odorous house ants usually appear inside homes the most. These ants have keen senses and can detect exposed food from impressive distances. Working together, they relay food back to their colonies, which are often under rocks or next to foundations. Odorous house ants are only slightly larger than pavement ants.
• Carpenter ants - Carpenter ants are the largest and most challenging of the four common types. These ants often nest in decaying wood, so neglected firewood or weakened parts of a home attract them.

Where will I find ants?

You will find ants in various locations around your home and property, again based on their type:

• Field ants will stay contained in your garden areas but they will wreak havoc on your soil and plants, so look for their mounds in the dirt.
• Odorous house ants won't be difficult to find. You will see them searching your home for food scraps and may even find groups infesting food stores.
• Carpenter ants will be found almost exclusively in mulch piles, decaying wood, and damp or dark areas.
• Check around loose floorboards of your home for pavement ants. If the infestation is bad enough, their network will stretch from the driveway or sidewalk through the foundation and under your floors!

In Aspen and across Pitkin County, the environment creates good conditions for ants to thrive. Mountain homes often have exposed wood and landscaping that attract carpenter ants, while urban sidewalks and driveways provide paths for pavement ants. Watch outdoor kitchens, decks, and firewood storage, as these are hotspots for ant colonies in this area, especially during the wetter months.

Worried about ants invading your home or business? Contact RAM Pest Control today for professional ant control in Colorado and protect your property from persistent infestations!