Little Black Ant Facts & Information

Little black ant swarms are common from June to August, during which time they forage in trails and are frequently seen along sidewalks. These small ants feed on grease, oil, meats, fruits, and vegetables materials such as corn meal and sweets. The workers also feed on other insects, honeydew and plant secretions. With how tiny they are, it’s very easy for them to get inside your building – whether it’s a house or a business. If you have any of the items they like to eat, they will happily march into your building with many other trailing behind.

Little black ants are found throughout the United States, especially in the eastern region. The prefer wooded areas. In yards, they nest under rocks, in rotting logs, and under piles of bricks or lumber. Indoors, nests are located in woodwork, wall voids, decaying wood, masonry, and behind facades.

Little black ants do have a stinger, but it is often too small and weak to be effective. They are mostly a nuisance pest, but that doesn’t mean you want them in your home or business! Ants can bring with them the stigma that your home or business isn’t clean. While these ants may just be a nuisance, that nuisance can surely hurt a reputation.

There are a few things that can be done around your property to help prevent a little black ant infestation. Seal cracks and crevices in exterior walls with a silicone-based caulk, ensure firewood is stored at least 20 feet away from the home, and keeping shrubbery well-trimmed will all help prevent ant infestations. It’s also important to note the location of the nest. While it can be difficult to see these ants due to their small size, their nests can be found by following the trail of workers back to the colony. You should also consider working with a licensed pest professional to employ a preventative pest management plan for ants and so much more.

We’re passionate about keeping all ant species out of your home or business because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our 133+ years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island safe from pests, Waltham has the experience you can trust. Call Waltham first!