In Phoenix, ants aren’t just a summertime nuisance, they’re a year-round issue thanks to the desert climate.
Thanks to the desert climate, a variety of ant species thrive here year-round, especially in areas with regular irrigation, dense landscaping, or plenty of food sources. To effectively manage these pest problems, it’s important to understand the types of ants common in Arizona.
Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently encountered ant species in Phoenix and how to get rid of ants before they take over.
Key Takeaways
- Phoenix homes deal with many types of ants that search for food and water around kitchens and yards.
- Odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants are indoor problems that often require professional help.
- Fire ants, harvester ants, crazy ants, and Argentine ants are harder to control without targeting their outdoor nests.
- Local pest control experts provide fast, safe, and reliable ant treatments that stop infestations and prevent returns.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants, a common ant in Phoenix, are small and dark brown to black. They’re best known for the rotten smell they give off when crushed, and for trailing along baseboards and inside cabinets.
These ants often set up their ant nests near moist areas or behind walls and are attracted to sweets like honeydew from aphids or any sugary food source in your kitchen.
The key to killing these ants is eliminating both the ant colony and what’s attracting them. Clean up spills quickly, store food in airtight containers, and don’t overlook pet bowls.
Professional pest control services are often needed to eliminate their nesting sites.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants nest under driveways, sidewalks, and masonry, making them very common in Phoenix’s urban sprawl. These ants can often be spotted trailing between outdoor nest entrances and your kitchen or pantry.
While they’re not aggressive, they can become a real nuisance if they find proteins or sweets in your home.
For Phoenix homeowners, sealing off crevices where these ants enter and using targeted ant control bait is essential. Because they build deep tunnels, DIY treatments often fail to reach the queen and the broader ant colony.
Southern Fire Ants
Southern fire ants are aggressive and sting painfully, especially when their mound-like ant nests are disturbed. These desert fire ants prefer open, sunny spaces and can often be found near sidewalks or disturbed soil in landscaping.
Their bites and stings can be dangerous, especially for children and pets.
If you find a fire ant mound in your Phoenix yard, don’t try to treat it with over-the-counter sprays. These often cause the colony to split.
Effective pest management targets the queen to stop the colony from reproducing.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the larger species of ants found in Arizona. They usually nest in decayed wood, like tree stumps, old fences, or structural wood exposed to moisture.
If you’re spotting them indoors, especially near bathrooms or kitchens, that’s a sign of a more serious problem.
Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create ant nests.
To protect your Phoenix home, especially older properties or those with wood siding, inspect for soft spots or water-damaged wood. Getting rid of an infestation may require professional pest control to prevent damage from spreading.
Harvester Ants
Arizona’s desert areas, particularly in Tucson and the outskirts of Phoenix, are home to harvester ants. These species of ants are larger, reddish in color, and clear the vegetation around their nests, making them easy to spot.
While they aren’t aggressive without provocation, they do have a powerful sting. If you notice a cleared patch of earth in your yard, it could be a nest entrance.
Don’t try to remove it yourself. Our trained technicians can safely treat these nests and help prevent future infestations.
Crazy Ants
Crazy ants are fast-moving, unpredictable, and thrive in Arizona’s urban areas.
They often nest in electrical equipment and walls, making them especially tricky. These ants form large colonies and are difficult to manage without professional help.
Since they don’t follow scent trails like other species of ants, they often avoid traditional bait traps. Advanced pest control services are typically necessary to reach and exterminate the colony at the source.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are an invasive species that’s becoming a growing concern in Arizona.
Known for forming massive supercolonies, these dark brown ants can outcompete native Arizona ants and take over entire properties.
They thrive on proteins and sugars and are especially drawn to outdoor trash, compost, and pet food. You might see them traveling in large trails near walls or garden beds.
Eliminating them involves long-term pest control strategies, including locating and destroying multiple nesting sites across the property.
Ready to End the Ant Battle?
If you’re struggling with ant infestations around your home in Phoenix or Tucson, Green Home Pest Control is here to help. We target nesting sites, eliminate the food sources they rely on, and provide proactive treatments to prevent them from coming back.
Our eco-friendly approach to ant control is safe for your family, and our pest control plans include free re-treatments if the ants come back. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, so you can stop stressing and get back to enjoying your home.
Tired of ants showing up in your kitchen or yard? Reach out to Green Home Pest Control for fast, safe, and long-lasting relief.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
