Ant Season in Arkansas: Identifying and Eliminating Common Species

Why Ants Are a Problem in Arkansas During Warmer Months 

As temperatures rise in the spring, ant colonies become more active. These pests begin foraging for food and water, often venturing into homes, kitchens, and outdoor gathering spaces. Arkansas’s humid climate, combined with an abundance of wooded areas and residential neighborhoods, provides the ideal environment for ants to thrive. 

 

Ant season typically runs from March through October, peaking in the summer when colonies are largest and most aggressive. Ants enter homes through the tiniest cracks and crevices, drawn by crumbs, sugary spills, or even pet food. Without early intervention, what starts as a few scout ants can quickly become a full-blown infestation. 

Common Ant Species in Arkansas 

1. Odorous House Ants 

These small brown or black ants are notorious for their unpleasant odor – often compared to rotten coconut – when crushed. They are among the most common invaders in Arkansas homes. 

Behavior and Habitat: 

Odorous house ants nest indoors and outdoors, often near moisture sources like leaky pipes, under sinks, or in wall voids. They forage in long trails and are particularly persistent once they find a food source. 

How to Eliminate: 

Baiting is often more effective than sprays. Use sweet liquid baits that attract the colony and allow the poison to be carried back to the nest. Keep kitchens spotless and seal cracks to prevent future entry. 

2. Carpenter Ants 

Carpenter ants are large, block, or dark reddish ants that can cause serious structural damage. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood – but they excavate it to build their nests. 

Behavior and Habitat: 

They prefer damp, rotting wood and are often found in crawl spaces, under roofing, or in hollow doors and window frames. Noisy scratching sounds or small piles of sawdust may signal their presence. 

How to Eliminate: 

Remove moisture-damaged wood and eliminate leaks. Direct nest treatments with non-repellent insecticides can work, but professional pest control is usually necessary to completely eradicate a colony. 

3. Pavement Ants

These tiny, dark brown ants typically nest in soil under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, but they are quick to enter buildings in search of food. 

Behavior and Habitat: 

Often seen in kitchens and bathrooms, pavement ants feed on grease, sweets, and proteins. They form well-defined trails and may also appear in basements or around utility lines. 

How to Eliminate: 

Use both bait stations and perimeter sprays to target colonies. Seal cracks in foundations and walls where ants may be gaining access. 

4. Fire Ants 

Red imported fire ants are aggressive and dangerous. Known for their painful sting, they pose risk to children, pets, and even electrical systems. 

Behavior and Habitat: 

They build large, dome-shaped mounds in lawns, parks, and pastures. Fire ants are highly territorial and will swarm and sting when disturbed. 

How to Eliminate: 

Use fire ant-specific baits and granular insecticides. Spot treatments can reduce visible mounds, but long-term control usually requires multiple applications or professional-grade solutions. 

5. Pharoah Ants 

These tiny yellow or light brown ants are difficult to control and often found in multi-unit buildings, hospitals, and homes with high humidity. 

Behavior and Habitat: 

They build nests in warm, hidden locations like wall voids, under appliances, or inside furniture. They can split into multiple colonies when disturbed, making control more challenging. 

How to Eliminate: 

Avoid spraying, as this causes colonies to scatter. Instead, use protein or sweet-based bait systems and monitor with care. A pest professional can develop a comprehensive plan for long-term removal. 

How to Prevent Ant Infestations in Arkansas Homes 

While treatment options vary by species, there are several universal prevention strategies that can help keep ants out of your home and yard: 

 

• Seal entry points: Caulk gaps around windows, doors, utility lines, and foundation cracks. 

• Keep your home clean: Wipe down countertops, sweep regularly, and store food in sealed containers. 

• Eliminate moisture sources: Repair leaks under sinks and around your foundation. Use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces.

• Yard maintenance: Trim back shrubs and trees touching your home. Remove debris and keep mulch at least 12 inches away from the foundation. 

• Pet care: Clean up food and water bowls regularly and avoid leaving kibble out overnight. 

When to Call a Pest Control Expert 

While over-the-counter baits and sprays can manage small infestations, larger or recurring problems often require a professional assessment. Misidentifying the ant species or using the wrong treatment method can actually worsen the issue, especially with species like Pharoah or carpenter ants. 

 

West Termites & Pest offers expert pest identification, safe treatment options, and long-term prevention plans designed to target the specific ant species affecting your property. Our team uses industry-approved methods that eliminate the source of infestation – not just the symptoms. 

Protect Your Home from Ants – Before They Take Over 

Ant season in Arkansas is no joke – especially when it comes to aggressive species like fire ants or destructive ones like carpenter ants. Understanding what kind of ants you are dealing with and taking quick, informed action is essential to preventing damage and maintaining your peace of mind. 

 

If you are seeing ants in your kitchen, yard, or around your foundation, don’t wait. Contact West Termites & Pest for expert pest control services across Arkansas and Oklahoma. We specialize in ant identification, elimination, and prevention, along with full-service termite control and lawn care treatments. Schedule your free consultation today and enjoy a pest-free home – season after season.