Pest Control Richmond VA Little Black Ants

 The Little Black Ant (Monomorium minimum) is aptly named, measuring a mere 1/16th of an inch, with a shiny, jet-black appearance. This tiny size often causes them to be confused with the Odorous House Ant (OHA), which is also dark-colored but slightly larger (about 1/8th inch). The easiest way to tell them apart is by smell: when an OHA is crushed, it emits a distinct, rotten coconut or earthy odor—the Little Black Ant has no smell.

Though small, Little Black Ants form moderately to very large colonies with multiple queens, making them highly persistent. They are omnivores but are particularly attracted to sweets, grease, and protein, often scavenging on dead insects and the sweet honeydew of outdoor aphids just like all other ants. Their diet attracts them to virtually every area of a Richmond home, from kitchens to bathrooms.

Little Black Ants are predominantly outdoor nesters, found under rocks, logs, or in mulch. However, their small size allows them to easily exploit tiny gaps to forage indoors, leading to long, defined trails across floors and counters. They will also establish satellite nests in wall voids, cabinets, and behind foundations if an indoor food source is abundant. While they don't cause structural damage like carpenter ants or acrobat ants, their sheer numbers, persistence, and ability to transport harmful microorganisms from trash to food preparation surfaces make them a significant nuisance and health concern. Effective pest control in Richmond, VA, focuses on meticulous baiting and sealing tiny exterior entry points to eliminate the persistent outdoor source.