Pest Control Richmond VA Ants

The largest ant species in Richmond VA (up to 5/8 inch), Carpenter ants excavate moist wood for nests, but do not eat it. They seek sweets/protein. Their presence signals major moisture damage. 

 Pavement ants are small, dark ants that nest under pavement and foundations. They are omnivorous generalists (sweets, grease, crumbs). They create visible soil piles and are a common urban nuisance pest. 

 Odorous house ants are small, dark ants that release a rotten coconut smell when crushed. They are strongly attracted to sweets and moisture, nesting in wall voids and under slabs. They are highly resilient to DIY treatments due to their budding behavior. 

 Pharaoh ants are tiny, pale yellow ants known for spreading pathogens (health risk). They are difficult to control due to "budding" (colony splitting) and require specialized, rotating sweet and protein baits; repellents must be avoided. 

 Acrobat ants are recognized by their heart-shaped abdomen which they raise when alarmed. They nest in moisture-damaged wood and voids, often stripping insulation from electrical wires, posing a fire risk. They are attracted to both sweets and protein. 

 Little Black Ants are tiny (1/16 inch), shiny, dark ants with no notable odor. They form large colonies and are attracted to sweets, grease, and protein. They are common outdoor nesters that easily invade homes through tiny cracks.