Common Types Of Ants In Scranton
The three most common ants in Scranton homes are carpenter ants (large, black or red and black, and able to damage wood), odorous house ants (small, brown or black, and smelling like rotten coconut when crushed) and pavement ants (small, dark, and nesting under sidewalks and slabs). If you live in Scranton or nearby, here is how to tell them apart and how local weather affects when they show up. You’ll also get a few practical prevention tips to help keep them out.
Carpenter ants
Carpenter ants are among the most problematic ants in the Scranton area. They are large, about ¼ to ½ inch long, and usually black or a combination of red and black. These ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through it to build their nests, which can weaken wooden structures over time.
Odorous house ants
These small ants, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long, are brown or black and give off a foul, rotten coconut smell when crushed. Odorous house ants are notorious for invading kitchens and bathrooms, especially during hot or dry weather when they’re on the hunt for water.
Pavement ants
A common ant throughout Pennsylvania, pavement ants are dark brown to black and about 1/8 inch long. They nest in cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and foundations, but won’t hesitate to come indoors in search of food.
Not sure which ant you have? Our guide to identifying common house ants has a quick field test.
How weather impacts ant activity in our area
Carpenter ants are most active from spring through early fall, especially after rainstorms when moisture levels are high. They often move indoors if outdoor conditions are too dry or wet, especially if there’s damp or rotting wood nearby.
Odorous house ants tend to invade during dry spells or after heavy rain. They’re resilient and can quickly become a recurring issue without professional intervention.
Pavement ants are especially noticeable in the warmer months when their colonies expand. They’re known to invade kitchens and basements when they find even the smallest food crumbs or spills.
How to prevent ants from infesting your home
Here are a few simple but effective steps to make your home less inviting to ants:
- Seal cracks and crevices around the foundation and windows
- Fix any plumbing leaks and address moisture issues
- Keep countertops and floors free of food debris
- Store pantry goods in sealed containers
- Take out trash regularly and keep bins tightly covered
- Trim back shrubs and tree branches touching your home
- Keep outdoor eating areas clean and store pet food properly
For more, see how to seal cracks and gaps to keep pests out.
Professional ant control in Scranton, PA
Are you seeing ants marching through your kitchen? Are you noticing them in your bathroom or along your foundation? Ninefold Pest is here to help. Our local team provides targeted ant control and carpenter ant treatment for homes and businesses in Scranton and across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
When you contact us, we’ll inspect your property, identify the ant species, and implement a treatment plan designed to eliminate ants and keep them from coming back.
Request a free quote, call 888-902-3540 or learn more about our home pest control services in Scranton!
Scranton Ant FAQs
Yes. Carpenter ants are one of the most common problem ants in Northeastern Pennsylvania, especially in older homes with damp or damaged wood.
Look for large black or red-and-black ants indoors, especially at night, piles of fine sawdust-like material called frass, and winged ants in spring. Damp wood near windows, decks and roof lines is a common nesting spot.
From spring through early fall, with spikes after heavy rain or during dry spells when ants come inside looking for water.
No. They hollow out wood to build nests but do not eat it. Over time, though, their tunnels can still weaken wood in the structure.